Saban Identifies Georgia and Texas as College Football's Elite

Former Alabama head coach and ESPN College GameDay analyst Nick Saban identified the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns as the two best teams in college football entering 2026, as Sports Illustrated first reported. Speaking with host Mike Greenberg on ESPN's *Get Up*, Saban noted that based on returning talent and roster additions, these two programs are the top teams "on paper."

Despite the endorsement, Saban warned that July predictions are often unreliable. He cited a memory from 2019 when his Alabama team was one of his best but missed the playoffs after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a hip injury during the 10th or 11th game of the season. Saban emphasized that unforeseen obstacles can derail a season regardless of a team's initial standing.

Reporting from Sports Illustrated highlights that Texas is led by junior quarterback Arch Manning, who recorded 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025. The Longhorns have bolstered their roster with portal additions including wide receiver Cam Coleman, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and linebacker Rasheem Biles.

Georgia enters the season coming off a second consecutive SEC championship, led by quarterback Gunner Stockton, the SEC Championship Game MVP. While Georgia brought in fewer transfers than any other SEC school—including USC cornerback Braylon Conley, Auburn defensive lineman Amaris Williams, and Georgia Tech wide receiver Isiah Canion—the program is looking to improve a defense that ranked 122nd nationally in tackles for loss last season.