Nick Saban, head coach of Alabama, made headlines on September 11, 2026, during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" by taking a playful jab at the Big Ten Conference.
Why it matters: Saban's comments highlight the growing rivalry between the SEC and Big Ten, especially as both conferences vie for dominance in college football. His remarks come just before a highly anticipated game between Texas and Ohio State.
Saban stated that the SEC has nine teams ranked in the Top 25 of the AP poll, emphasizing the depth of his conference.
In comparison, he noted, "It's not like the Big Ten where there's three good teams at the top and then nothing." This comment reflects a common perception about the relative strength of the two conferences.
Driving the news: The SEC's strong start to the season is underscored by its perfect record of 16-0, though Saban acknowledged that 13 of those victories came against Group of 6 or FCS teams.
The upcoming game between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 4 Texas is set for October 4, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
This matchup will be the third consecutive meeting between these two teams, adding extra significance to Saban's comments.
State of play: The SEC's dominance is evident in the latest AP poll, with teams like Georgia at No. 2, Texas at No. 4, and LSU at No. 8 leading the charge.
Other SEC teams ranked include Ole Miss at No. 9, Texas A&M at No. 10, Oklahoma at No. 11, Alabama at No. 12, Tennessee at No. 18, and Missouri at No. 23.
Conversely, the Big Ten has three teams in the top six: Ohio State at No. 1, Indiana at No. 5, and Oregon at No. 6, with a total of seven teams in the Top 25.
The big picture: The SEC and Big Ten rivalry has intensified in recent years, particularly with the introduction of the College Football Playoff.
Saban's comments are part of a larger narrative about conference strength as the playoff system rewards teams from stronger conferences.
Historically, the two conferences have met infrequently, but the modern playoff era could lead to more matchups in the postseason.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike have weighed in on Saban's remarks, with many agreeing that the SEC currently showcases greater depth than the Big Ten.
"Saban may have a natural SEC bias, but he's right about the depth," said a college football analyst, noting that seven SEC teams are among the top 12.
Others pointed out that the Big Ten still has strong contenders with potent offenses, particularly Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon.
By the numbers: The SEC's performance this season has been impressive, with all teams currently undefeated.
As of now, 13 teams across various conferences have odds of 25-1 or shorter to win the national championship, with all seven SEC teams included.
The Big Ten's strength is also notable, with USC, Penn State, and Washington ranked among the top 25.
What's next: Fans can expect an exciting showdown when Ohio State visits Texas for their highly anticipated game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, providing a prime opportunity for both conferences to showcase their talent.
This game will impact rankings and serve as a key moment in the SEC-Big Ten rivalry.
Saban wrapped up his thoughts by praising Mississippi State quarterback KaMario Taylor, calling him the "real deal" as the SEC continues to spotlight its top players.