College football has just kicked off, and Nick Saban is already focused on the College Football Playoff.

This year, the former Alabama coach is analyzing the new 12-team playoff format from a fresh angle: as an analyst.

On the “College GameDay” broadcast from Dublin marking Week 0 on Saturday, Saban shared his predictions for the College Football Playoff and the national title. As expected, he provided his insights with the depth only he can offer.

This season marks the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff format, where each conference champion from the Power Four secures a first-round bye. The other eight spots will be filled by at-large teams chosen by the College Football Playoff selection committee, with the first rankings set to drop on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. ET.

Here’s what you should know about Saban’s selections for the College Football Playoff and who he thinks will win the championship on Saturday’s “College GameDay”:

Nick Saban’s College Football Playoff predictions

Saban predicted that Alabama would enter the College Football Playoff as a No. 7 seed and play against Notre Dame at Bryant-Denny Stadium in the opening round, highlighting the changes to the playoff structure this year. He also included Liberty, which is part of Conference USA and earned 15 votes in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, as the No. 12 seed.

“I see Georgia, Ohio State, Florida State, and Utah as my four teams with byes,” Saban noted.

While discussing his picks, Saban emphasized that fans and commentators aren’t emphasizing Penn State and LSU enough, the latter being a former team for him in the early 2000s.

“I believe Penn State has a really strong team and a fantastic culture. If we had a 12-team playoff the past few years, they would have made it,” said Saban. “I think LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is going to surprise many this year. LSU consistently has top talent.”

Here are Saban’s projected teams for the College Football Playoff this season:

• 1. Georgia (SEC champion)
• 2. Ohio State (Big Ten champion)
• 3. Florida State (ACC champion)
• 4. Utah (Big 12 champion)
• 5. Texas vs. 12. Liberty
• 8. Ole Miss vs. 9. Penn State
• 6. Oregon vs. 11. LSU
• 7. Alabama vs. 10. Notre Dame

Nick Saban’s National Championship prediction on ‘College GameDay’

• Choice: Georgia

Saban believes that Alabama and their SEC rival Georgia will be the last teams standing to claim the national championship in Atlanta come January.

If Georgia clinches the CFP and the national title, it would mark the Bulldogs’ third championship title in four years.

“I’m convinced that until someone proves they can beat Georgia, that’s my choice,” said Saban, referencing Georgia’s recent power in college football.