Nick Saban is now a recognized hall of fame head coach.

On Friday, during an episode of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” it was announced that Saban is part of the College Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025, coinciding with the Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas.

Upon learning the news, the seven-time national champion humorously remarked, “I didn’t know anything about it.”

Interestingly, this announcement comes exactly one year after Saban declared his retirement from coaching. He is currently serving as an analyst on “College GameDay” alongside Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Desmond Howard, and Lee Corso.

Saban expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much. Achievements like this are the result of having extraordinary people in your organization—players, coaches, and support staff. I’m proud to ‘drive the bus,’ but it was a team effort with many great individuals.”

Saban began his coaching journey at Toledo in 1990, where he achieved a 9-2 record. He then moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to coach at Michigan State for five seasons before heading to LSU in the Southeastern Conference.

During his time at LSU from 2000 to 2004, Saban led the Tigers to a 48-16 overall record, including a 28-12 record in SEC play, two conference titles, a 3-2 bowl record, and a BCS championship in 2003.

After a short stint with the Miami Dolphins in the NFL, Saban returned to college football as Alabama’s head coach. Over his 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, he transformed the Crimson Tide into a dominant force in college football, winning six national titles.

With a record-breaking seven national championships overall, Saban holds the record for the most in college football history, starting with his title in 2003 while at LSU. His 201 victories at Alabama rank him second in the program’s history, just behind Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Saban is also the only coach to attain at least seven College Football Playoff victories since the CFP era commenced in 2014. He made history as the first coach to win national championships at two different FBS programs (LSU and Alabama) since the Associated Press Poll began in 1936, according to the College Football Hall of Fame.

As highlighted by Davis on “College GameDay,” the complete list of the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be unveiled next week.

The inductees for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame will officially be honored during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, set to take place on December 9, 2025, in Las Vegas, as per the College Football Hall of Fame.

2025 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Saban’s Hall of Fame induction comes as a first-time ballot member. Other prominent figures on the 2025 ballot include Urban Meyer, who coached at Utah, Florida, and Ohio State; Pitt’s defensive lineman Aaron Donald; Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o; and Alabama runn