Legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban dropped a bombshell prediction for the 2026 college football season, telling the Pat McAfee Show that the Crimson Tide is “under-the-radar” and “may be able to sneak up on people.” When the GOAT talks, you listen, and he’s hinting that Bama could exceed expectations big time.
Saban’s Hot Takes on the CFP Frontrunners
But it wasn’t just about his old squad. Saban also dished on who he sees as the top contenders for the College Football Playoff this year, and he’s got his eyes locked on Georgia and Texas. He’s been chatting with Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkisian, and according to Saban, “both of those guys have really, really good teams.” He thinks they “probably have the best chance to be successful and maybe go a long way in the playoff.” Georgia, trying for their third straight CFP berth, is already ranked No. 3 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25, even with some question marks in the receiving corps after Zachariah Branch and Colbie Young left. Texas, on the other hand, is rolling with Arch Manning at QB, coming off a 10-3 season where they just missed the CFP, and boasts a No. 3 transfer portal class. They’re sitting at No. 5 in the preseason poll. Both these teams are loaded, no doubt.
Why Alabama Is a Sneaky Pick
So, why is Saban so confident Alabama can shock the world? They’re coming off an 11-4 record and a CFP quarterfinal appearance last season under Kalen DeBoer. And here’s the kicker: their defense is still elite. In 2025, they owned the SEC’s No. 1 pass defense, giving up a ridiculous 169.9 yards per game through the air. That secondary is flat out stifling. Sure, Ty Simpson is gone to the NFL draft, but the QB battle between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack is heating up under center. You know Saban knows talent, and he’s basically screaming at us not to sleep on the Tide.
This season is shaping up to be absolutely wild. With Saban putting his stamp on Georgia and Texas as the teams to beat, and then throwing Alabama into the “sleeper” conversation, you just know college football is about to deliver some incredible drama. Get ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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