The 2026 college football season is officially upon us, and legendary former head coach Nick Saban is already making headlines with his preseason insights. Saban recently joined The Pat McAfee Show to break down the upcoming campaign, sharing exactly which teams, players, and storylines he is keeping a close eye on as the new season kicks off.
The Teams to Beat: Georgia and Texas
While computer models and polls have debated the preseason rankings all summer, Saban’s picks for the top contenders are clear. He highlighted the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns as the two strongest programs on paper entering the 2026 season. Saban noted that both Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkisian have built elite rosters capable of making a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
However, the seven-time national champion also issued a stark warning based on his own painful memories from 2019, reminding fans that preseason hype means nothing if a team cannot overcome unexpected mid-season injuries. For more in-depth coverage and schedule breakdowns for these powerhouse programs, check out the latest NCAA football rankings.
Alabama’s Sleeper Potential and QB Decision
Saban certainly didn’t shy away from discussing his former program, the Alabama Crimson Tide. He suggested that Alabama might actually benefit from flying slightly under the radar this year, utilizing their veteran depth to surprise the rest of the SEC.
With Kalen DeBoer officially naming five-star sophomore Keelon Russell as the starting quarterback, Saban pointed out the crucial factor for Alabama’s success. He emphasized that it is absolutely “imperative” for the offensive line to improve this season. Saban noted that regardless of Russell’s exceptional playmaking ability and mobility, the young quarterback desperately needs a clean pocket and a consistent running game to operate effectively.
As the historic 40th season of College GameDay gets underway with Saban joining the desk full-time, fans can expect even more candid analysis from one of the greatest minds in the sport. For daily updates, expert breakdowns, and the best college football news, stay tuned to our coverage all season long.
