Nick Saban's thoughts on any topic related to college football are taken as fact given his illustrious career as a head coach, but especially when the topic involves the Southeastern Conference, where his Alabama Crimson Tide plays.
During an appearance on SEC Network's “SEC Now” on Monday, Saban discussed a newcomer to the conference: the Texas Longhorns.
Many believe the Longhorns, who will have quarterback Quinn Ewers returning to head coach Steve Sarkisian's scheme, could handle the SEC like they did in the Big 12 last year.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban before the game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Saban, however, thinks very differently.
“What I find funny is all these people are wondering how Texas has always been able to handle the conference it's been in,” Saban said. “They're not going to handle the SEC.”
“They'll be a good team and a great program and Sark will do a great job, but that won't be an issue.”
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Saban didn't elaborate on the matter, but college football fans understand his intentions nonetheless.
SEC schools have long produced some of the best talent in college football each year, and when the College Football Playoff is set, there are usually one or two schools from the conference represented.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns throws downfield against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half of the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Longhorns, however, are a team that made the College Football Playoff last year, defeating Oklahoma State in the Big 12 title game to reach it.
And Saban watched his Crimson Tide lose to the Longhorns earlier this season, 34-24. It was Texas' only SEC opponent in 2023.
However, five teams last year had at least 10 wins in the SEC, showing how talented and difficult this conference will be for the Longhorns and Oklahoma, who also hail from the Big 12.
Texas went 12-2 last season, so Sarkisian likely has high expectations for his group regardless of the move to the SEC. While Ewers is back, he will be without two of his top receivers, Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, who were drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts respectively.
December 31, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban at the Rose Bowl coaches press conference at the Sheraton Grand. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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Meanwhile, Saban won't be sitting on the sidelines with the Crimson Tide, as he surprisingly announced his retirement after losing to Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Saban's media career has already begun, but just like he did as a coach, he's now telling things as he sees them through another headset.
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