By Adeniyi Precious 
Nick Saban was totally caught off guard by some big news on Friday. The former Alabama football head coach was busy working as an analyst for ESPN’s College Gameday before the Cotton Bowl semifinal. While he was focused on the job, his colleagues already knew that Saban had been selected for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class. Saban? Not a clue.
“When did that happen?” he asked when Rece Davis broke the news to him—exactly a year after his retirement as head coach. Saban gave a big grin, shook hands with everyone, and even received a football from Pat McAfee in recognition.
Saban, ever humble, downplayed the honor during a short speech. “Thank you so much,” he said. “But anytime something like this happens, it’s because you have a lot of great people in your organization—great players, coaches, support staff. I was just happy to drive the bus.”
The full 2025 class will be announced on January 15, and Saban will be officially inducted on December 9 in Las Vegas.