Nick Saban Confesses Why He Hated Playing Against Texas While at Alabama, Issues Friendly Warning to Kirby Smart
Legendary former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has never shied away from tough competition. With seven national championships and a reputation for meticulous preparation, Saban thrived under pressure and routinely outsmarted some of the best minds in college football. But in a recent appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, the now-retired coach made a surprising admission: he hated playing against the Texas Longhorns while leading the Crimson Tide.
The confession sparked immediate conversation throughout the college football world, especially given that Texas is now an official member of the SEC. And while Saban is no longer on the sidelines, his words weren’t just a walk down memory lane—they came with a pointed warning to Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who now finds himself facing the same Longhorns that gave Saban headaches in recent years.
“They Always Gave Us Trouble”
Speaking candidly on the show, Saban said, “If I’m being honest, I hated playing Texas. They always gave us trouble—physically, schematically, and mentally. It didn’t matter whether it was in Austin or Tuscaloosa; that team came ready to play every single time.”
Saban’s admission reflects the Crimson Tide’s increasingly competitive encounters with the Longhorns in the later years of his coaching career. Most notably, Alabama escaped with a narrow 20–19 victory in Austin during the 2022 season, in a game where Texas outplayed the Tide for long stretches. Then, in 2023, Alabama suffered a 34–24 defeat to Texas at home, marking one of the rare times Saban’s team was outmatched on its own turf.
“They had the athletes, the toughness, and the confidence,” Saban explained. “Steve Sarkisian knows what he’s doing, and those kids play hard for him. That was never an easy week of preparation.”
A Tactical Nightmare
More than just raw talent, Saban acknowledged that Texas presented tactical challenges that other programs didn’t. “They had a great mix of tempo, physicality, and unpredictability,” he said. “You couldn’t just line up and play your base defense. You had to be sharp. One mistake and they’d make you pay—just like an SEC opponent.”
Saban also praised Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who torched Alabama’s secondary in their 2023 clash. “That kid has a Sunday arm, and when he’s protected, he’s a problem,” Saban noted. “Our guys were on their heels all night.”
Warning to Kirby Smart: “You’d Better Be Ready”
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing moment came when Saban turned his attention to his former assistant, Kirby Smart, and offered a friendly warning: “Kirby’s got a powerhouse at Georgia, no doubt. But I’m telling you now—he better be ready when Texas rolls into town.”
Saban said he expects Texas to be a major disruptor in the SEC, especially with the recruiting class Sarkisian is building and the depth at skill positions. “This isn’t a program that’s coming in to find its footing. They’re coming in to compete for the top. I’ve seen it up close. It’s real.”
Smart, who has led Georgia to two national championships and now stands atop the SEC in Saban’s absence, has long been considered Saban’s top protégé. But the mutual respect hasn’t dulled Saban’s competitive instincts. “Kirby knows what it takes,” Saban said. “But you can’t overlook Texas. If you think they’re just another new face in the conference, you’re in for a rude awakening.”
Texas as an SEC Contender
Saban’s comments come as Texas continues its transition into the SEC, a move that has already stirred the conference’s power balance. With Sarkisian at the helm, a top-5 recruiting class, and rising stars like Ewers and wide receiver Xavier Worthy, the Longhorns are expected to contend from day one.
“They’ve got the blueprint,” Saban added. “And now they’ve got the schedule. If they stay healthy, Texas could be in Atlanta (for the SEC Championship Game) sooner than people think.”
Reflecting on His Career
Now in retirement, Saban is embracing a new role as an analyst, mentor, and voice of wisdom within the sport. While he remains closely tied to Alabama and college football, he’s also enjoying the chance to speak more openly about things he used to keep to himself.
“Back when you’re coaching, you can’t show weakness—you can’t admit which teams get under your skin,” Saban laughed. “But now? I can tell you plain and simple: Texas was one of those teams.”
Final Thoughts
Nick Saban’s revelation offers a fascinating look into the mind of college football’s greatest modern coach. His respect for Texas, praise for Sarkisian, and cautionary note to Kirby Smart reveal just how seriously he viewed the Longhorns—an opinion that should raise eyebrows across the SEC.
As the Texas Longhorns prepare to fully integrate into the conference and face off against Georgia and Alabama more regularly, Saban’s words will undoubtedly echo in film rooms and strategy meetings. And if Kirby Smart was listening, he’ll know one thing for sure: Texas is no ordinary newcomer.
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