Saban Rejects Cristobal’s ACC Argument

Saban dismissed Cristobal’s case, insisting the SEC remains the stronger league.

Bleacher Report

Saban, a seven-time national champion (six with Alabama, one with LSU) and former head coach at Michigan State and Toledo, once supervised Cristobal on the Alabama staff from 2013-2016. Cristobal, now Miami’s head coach, led the Hurricanes to a 13-3 season and a College Football Playoff national-championship appearance, where they fell to Indiana.

Newsweek

Saban highlighted that the SEC fields nine teams in the preseason AP Top 25 poll—Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Tennessee and Missouri—while the ACC has only three, including Miami at No. 7. He added that the Big Ten’s depth is improving, citing Ohio State and Oregon as top programs. Miami’s 2023-24 run included victories over two SEC opponents, Texas A&M and Ole Miss, before the playoff loss.

NewsweekBleacher Report

He acknowledged the Big Ten’s rise but maintained his view that the ACC cannot surpass the SEC. Cristobal’s perspective was not directly quoted in the sources, but his attempts to persuade Saban are noted as a recurring “sales pitch.”

Bleacher Report

• “He’s always trying to convince me that the ACC is better than the SEC,” — Nick Saban, offensive line coach

Newsweek

• “I know that the Big Ten is a really good conference and getting better when it comes to depth. It’s really great at the top with Ohio State and Oregon. But, anyway, it is what it is. He’s never gonna convince me. Never gonna convince me that the ACC is better than the SEC.” — Nick Saban, offensive line coach

Newsweek

• “This guy is the best salesman in the history of ball,” — Nick Saban, offensive line coach

Bleacher Report