Nick Saban Says Alabama 'Could Sneak Up on People' in 2026, Hypes Georgia, Texas for CFP Runs

Legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban believes that the Crimson Tide can exceed expectations during the 2026 college football season.

Saban said that Alabama was "under-the-radar" and "may be able to sneak up on people" during a Friday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show (0:47 mark).

He also discussed the College Football Playoff outlook for Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart as well as Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian.

"I talked to Kirby and Sark both and I think both of those guys have really, really good teams," Saban said (0:27 mark). "I think they're probably the two teams that, at least on paper looking at this season, probably have the best chance to be successful and maybe go a long way in the playoff."

Alabama is coming off a CFP quarterfinal appearance last season, finishing with an 11-4 record under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

The Crimson Tide still boast one of the country's top secondaries, owning the SEC's No. 1 pass defense in 2025 by allowing a mere 169.9 yards per game through the air.

While quarterback Ty Simpson is no longer in the mix after he was selected in the 2026 NFL draft, Keelon Russell and Austin Mack are battling to start under center for Alabama.

Georgia is attempting to clinch a third consecutive CFP berth this year after ranking No. 3 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25.

Although there's some uncertainty surrounding the Bulldogs' receiving corps following the departures of Zachariah Branch and Colbie Young, Smart's squad still contains plenty of talent.

Texas closed its 2025 campaign on a high note and finished at 10-3, but missed the CFP.

The Longhorns are once again led by Arch Manning at quarterback and brought in a transfer portal class that ranked No. 3 in the country, per 247Sports.

Texas sat at No. 5 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.