Overview

• Speaking Friday on The Pat McAfee Show, Saban said NIL payments have “hurt the SEC a little bit” while aiding programs in the North.
• He argued recruits now choose based on which school pays the most, pointing to destinations like Ohio State and Michigan.
• Saban said the NIL era and transfer-portal “noise” have reduced player passion and weakened commitment to a single team.
• Recent outcomes provide context, with Michigan and Ohio State winning the last two national titles and no SEC team reaching the final since 2022.
• Coverage notes he also questioned the Big Ten’s overall depth, and analysts caution it is still early to judge NIL’s long-term impact.