To Nick Saban, the Big Ten’s three consecutive national titles do not erase the illustrious history the SEC has. Even after retirement, the legendary head coach is rooting for his former conference and reiterated its elite status, although they haven't won since 2022. 

“I think the only reason people are talking about this is (the SEC) dominated for so long, and we were so good, everybody makes a big deal out of being able to beat us,” Saban said on the SEC Network, per Alex Byington of On3.

Saban made his comments during a conversation on Day 4 of the SEC Football Kickoff Media Days event in Tampa.

“That doesn’t mean they’re better than us, and that doesn’t mean that just because you win the championship that you have a better conference,” he further defended the SEC, as reported by On3.

His comments come after the Michigan Wolverines, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Indiana Hoosiers won the College Football Playoff championships from 2023 to 2025, respectively. In the past three years, the SEC has faced defeats. 

The SEC has more College Football Playoff Championships with an 18-9 record, while the Big Ten holds an 11-10 record. However, the Big Ten’s rising dominance cannot be ignored, as proved by a veteran commentator.

“Even ESPN firebrand Paul Finebaum — known as 'the Mouth of the South' — has acknowledged the Big Ten has overtaken the SEC as college football’s crown jewel," On3 highlighted the changing leaderboard. 

Saban’s former program, the Alabama Crimson Tide, most certainly has lost its status as a formidable team. In the past five years, the program posted a 56-14 record. 

Saban, who retired from the Crimson Tide after six championships from 2009 to 2020, continues to support the SEC. He has recently addressed the Ole Miss Rebels' churn under their new head coach, Pete Golding. 

“I think they’re gonna do well”: Nick Saban weighs in on Pete Golding 

The Ole Miss Rebels had a dream run in 2025. The Rebels won their first-ever College Football Playoff game against the Tulane Green Wave in a 41-10 game. These achievements are significant for another reason. 

The Rebels advanced into the postseason after their former head coach, Lane Kiffin, quit just before the playoffs. As his exit to join the LSU Fighting Tigers wreaked havoc, another coach stepped up.

Pete Golding, Ole Miss's former defensive coordinator, took over as interim head coach and is now the permanent HC. With just two months left before kickoff, Nick Saban has shown faith in Golding. 

“Pete Golding was an outstanding coach for us, and he’s a good teacher…He’s a players’ coach and the players love him…Ole Miss brought some good players in, and I think they’re gonna do well,” said Nick Saban on July 23, per Pat McAfee on X. 

When Saban took over the Crimson Tide in 2007, the program was not at its best, but he retired as one of the most successful college football coaches. Saban’s faith in Golding is certainly reassuring for the Ole Miss Rebels and their fans. 

Do you agree with Saban, or has the Big Ten officially taken over college football's crown? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore