BREAKING: Analysts Use Patrick Mahomes Analogy to Explain Nick Saban’s Continued Influence on Alabama Football Recruiting
TUSCALOOSA, AL — Though Nick Saban officially stepped away from coaching earlier this year, his shadow continues to loom large over Alabama football. In a recent discussion on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, analysts Cole Cubelic and Greg McElroy dissected Saban’s ongoing influence on the Crimson Tide’s recruiting scene — and used a surprising analogy involving Patrick Mahomes to explain it.
“He’s Not Coaching You” — The Mahomes Comparison
Cole Cubelic sparked the conversation by likening Saban’s current role in recruiting to that of Patrick Mahomes’ influence on Texas Tech football — a powerful but indirect impact.
“He’s not coaching you,” Cubelic said, emphasizing that while Mahomes’ success helps Texas Tech attract attention, he’s not personally calling recruits or running the program. “It’s the same with Saban. His presence and legacy do the talking, but he’s no longer in the trenches recruiting guys.”
The comparison resonated with listeners and college football fans, many of whom recognize that Alabama’s prestige continues to be deeply tied to Saban’s unparalleled run of success.
McElroy: Alabama Still Runs on Saban’s Legacy
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy added that while current head coach Kalen DeBoer is now steering the program, the foundation that keeps recruits interested in the Crimson Tide remains firmly built on Saban’s two-decade dynasty.
“Nick Saban built a winning machine,” McElroy said. “Even if he’s not the one calling recruits, his name and his standard are still what players associate with Alabama football.”
McElroy pointed out that Saban’s retirement didn’t end his influence — it simply transitioned it. His decades of dominance, including six national championships with Alabama, have created a legacy so strong that it continues to attract elite prospects who want to be part of the Crimson Tide tradition.
Recruiting Momentum Continues
Despite Saban’s retirement, Alabama has continued to post impressive recruiting numbers. The school remains a top destination for five-star recruits, thanks to its facilities, development record, and history of producing NFL talent.
According to recruiting analysts, even when DeBoer and his staff engage with players, many still reference Saban’s name and the “standard of excellence” he set in Tuscaloosa.
“You don’t have to sell Alabama much,” one recruiting insider said. “Recruits already know what it represents — championships, NFL preparation, and the legacy of Nick Saban.”
A New Era, Same Expectations
While DeBoer is working to establish his own identity and leadership style, both Cubelic and McElroy agreed that Saban’s legacy will remain a guiding force for years. His culture of discipline, accountability, and relentless pursuit of perfection continues to define Alabama’s football identity.
And though Saban isn’t directly calling recruits anymore, the system he built still operates with the same precision — a testament to his enduring impact on college football.
Legacy Beyond the Sidelines
Saban’s situation mirrors what happens in programs touched by legendary figures: their influence becomes part of the institution’s DNA. Just as Patrick Mahomes’ NFL stardom brings attention to Texas Tech, Saban’s record of dominance ensures that Alabama will remain synonymous with success.
As McElroy summed it up: “Nick Saban doesn’t have to recruit anymore — his legacy recruits for him.”
With that, the Alabama “winning machine” continues to roll on — driven by the foundation Saban built and the future DeBoer aims to sustain.
