On January 10, 2025, during a special edition of ESPN’s “College GameDay” ahead of the Cotton Bowl between Texas and Ohio State, the show’s crew surprised former Alabama head coach Nick Saban with the announcement of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Saban, who retired on January 10, 2024, was visibly moved by the honor. He remarked, “Anytime anything like this happens, it’s because you had a lot of great people in your organization… A lot of great players, a lot of great coaches and support staff, and they made a great team.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Saban amassed seven national championships—one with LSU in 2003 and six with Alabama in 2009, 2011-12, 2015, 2017, and 2020. His 292 career wins place him among the most successful coaches in college football history.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for December 9, 2025, in Las Vegas, where Saban will join other legends of the sport in receiving this prestigious honor.
For a glimpse of the moment when Nick Saban received the Hall of Fame news, you can watch the following video: