Nick Saban reveals his Top-5 favorite players he coached at Alabama, excluding Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young.
Nick Saban has become a defining figure at the University of Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to six national championships and nine SEC titles, securing his place in Tuscaloosa’s history for good. Since taking over in 2007, Saban has coached numerous talented players who went on to have NFL careers. However, he recently shared the five players he most enjoyed coaching, and big names like Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young didn’t make the list.
Today, there’s a lot of discussion around which college produces the best talent at various positions. Debates often center on whether LSU or Ohio State should be crowned “Wide Receiver University.” Other schools have their own specialties, like Iowa’s consistent ability to develop top-tier tight ends.
Under Saban’s leadership, Alabama earned the nickname “NFL U” due to the program’s success in sending players to the professional ranks. The Crimson Tide became a top destination for future pros, with coaching by Saban dramatically boosting their NFL prospects.
While many sought the opportunity to be coached by one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, Saban didn’t feel the same level of fondness for every player on his roster.
Former college football head coach Nick Saban gets ready to tee off during the Pro-Am event at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 7, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In an interview with The Pivot podcast, the legendary coach shared the five players he enjoyed coaching the most during his illustrious career with the Crimson Tide. Surprisingly, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young were not on that list.
Hurts’ Stats at Alabama
While Jalen Hurts transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma before his senior year, the Eagles quarterback posted impressive stats during his first three seasons under Saban. However, he eventually lost the starting position to Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 offseason.
Hurts’ time at Alabama was tumultuous, as he was benched during the 2018 NCAA National Championship game, falling behind Tagovailoa on the depth chart before moving on to Norman, where he had a standout final season in college football in 2019.
Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Jalen Hurts #2 celebrate after their 35-28 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 1, 2018.
Over the course of three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Hurts appeared in 42 games, amassing 5,626 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also contributed 1,976 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns during that time.
Bryce Young’s tenure with the Crimson Tide
In contrast, Bryce Young was the rising star in Tuscaloosa, enjoying a career filled with accolades. He was a backup to Mac Jones during the 2020 National Championship season.
Though Young did not lead the Tide to a national championship, his remarkable individual performance earned him the distinction of being the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021.