Nick Saban’s tenure as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide has been nothing short of legendary. Under his leadership, Alabama has cemented itself as one of the most dominant programs in college football history, winning multiple national championships and producing a slew of NFL talent. Saban has had the privilege of coaching some of the best players to ever play the game, and as a result, when asked to name his top-5 favorite players, it’s clear that this is no simple task.
Recently, Saban made headlines when he revealed his list of the top-5 players he’s coached during his time at Alabama. The list, unsurprisingly, was filled with some of the most iconic and successful players to ever wear the Crimson Tide uniform. However, two notable names—Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young—were notably absent from the list, leaving many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Let’s take a deeper look at Saban’s selections and why he might have left Hurts and Young off the list, despite their undeniable impact on Alabama football.
The Players Saban Chose
Saban’s list of favorite players includes names that are familiar to any college football fan. Each of these players played a pivotal role in Alabama’s success under Saban’s leadership, and all of them have etched their names into the history of the program.
- Derrick Henry (Running Back)
It’s hard to imagine an Alabama team without the force that was Derrick Henry. Henry’s 2015 season is one of the most dominant individual performances in college football history. He rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Tide to a national championship and earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Henry’s rare blend of size, speed, and power made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he became the centerpiece of Alabama’s offense during his time in Tuscaloosa. Saban’s admiration for Henry is evident, as the running back’s work ethic and dominant performances on the field left an indelible mark on the program. - Minkah Fitzpatrick (Defensive Back)
Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best defensive players to ever play under Nick Saban at Alabama. A versatile and highly intelligent player, Fitzpatrick excelled in every phase of the game, whether it was as a cornerback, safety, or even as a return specialist. His ability to impact games both as a lockdown defender and as a playmaker on the ball made him invaluable to the Crimson Tide’s defense. Fitzpatrick won multiple All-American honors and was an integral part of Alabama’s 2017 national championship team. Saban has always praised Fitzpatrick’s leadership and football IQ, and it’s no surprise that he made the list. - Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback)
Tua Tagovailoa, who famously replaced Jalen Hurts in the 2018 national championship game, quickly became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Alabama history. Tagovailoa led the Tide to a national title in 2017 and had an exceptional 2018 season, earning All-American honors and finishing as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. His ability to make throws from all angles and his poise in clutch moments made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play for Alabama. Saban has often expressed his admiration for Tagovailoa’s leadership and performance, and his inclusion on this list reflects that. - Amari Cooper (Wide Receiver)
Amari Cooper was one of the most dynamic and polished wide receivers to ever play for Alabama. Over his three seasons with the Crimson Tide, Cooper set multiple records and became the go-to weapon in Alabama’s passing attack. He was a consensus All-American in 2014 and played a huge role in Alabama’s offensive success during his time in Tuscaloosa. Cooper’s route-running, hands, and ability to make explosive plays helped elevate Alabama’s offense to new heights, and Saban’s appreciation for Cooper’s talent is clear. Cooper’s ability to impact the game in all areas of the field left a lasting legacy at Alabama. - Jonathan Allen (Defensive Lineman)
Jonathan Allen was a cornerstone of Alabama’s defense during his time in Tuscaloosa. A dominant force on the defensive line, Allen was a game-changer who could disrupt offenses in a variety of ways. He was named a unanimous All-American in 2016 and played a key role in Alabama’s 2015 and 2017 national championship appearances. Saban has always been high on Allen’s leadership qualities, work ethic, and ability to make plays when it mattered most. Allen’s combination of power and technique helped make Alabama’s defense one of the best in the country during his time there.
The Absence of Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young
While Saban’s list features some of the best players he’s ever coached, the absence of Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young raises some interesting questions. Both quarterbacks are undoubtedly two of the most accomplished and influential players in Alabama’s recent history, and their exclusion from Saban’s top-5 list could be a point of contention among fans.
Jalen Hurts’ Legacy at Alabama
Jalen Hurts is one of the most beloved figures in Alabama football history. Despite being benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 national championship game, Hurts never let his disappointment define him. Instead, he became an invaluable asset to Alabama’s success, ultimately leading the team to a national title in 2015 as a freshman. Hurts was a dual-threat quarterback who excelled in both the passing and running game, and his leadership helped carry the Tide to several SEC championships.
While Hurts didn’t finish his career at Alabama as the starting quarterback, his ability to step in when needed and his work ethic left a lasting impression on Saban. However, Saban may have chosen to exclude Hurts from his top-5 players list because of the dynamic impact players like Henry, Fitzpatrick, and Tua had on the program in a more consistent, defining way.
Bryce Young’s Stellar Career at Alabama
Bryce Young’s name is synonymous with success at Alabama. After taking over as the starting quarterback in 2021, Young led the Crimson Tide to a national championship appearance and won the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football. His exceptional accuracy, poise, and ability to make throws under pressure solidified his place as one of Alabama’s all-time great quarterbacks.
However, despite his individual accolades, Saban may have chosen to exclude Young from his top-5 list because his tenure at Alabama was relatively short. Young’s two seasons as the starting quarterback were outstanding, but Saban may have felt that players like Tua Tagovailoa or Derrick Henry had a more lasting, program-defining impact on Alabama over a longer period.
Why Saban’s List Makes Sense
While it may seem surprising to some that Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young were left off the list, it’s important to consider the criteria that Saban likely used to make his selections. Saban’s top-5 list is filled with players who were integral to Alabama’s success during their respective tenures, both on and off the field. These players not only contributed at an elite level but also embodied the culture of Alabama football in a way that transcended individual statistics.
Hurts and Young were undoubtedly exceptional players who helped elevate Alabama to new heights. Still, Saban’s list reflects his belief in players who consistently impacted the team’s success and played a central role in the program’s long-term achievements. Both quarterbacks will forever be remembered as key figures in Alabama’s storied history, but the players Saban chose to highlight made even more lasting impressions on the field.
In the end, whether or not Hurts and Young are included in Saban’s personal top-5 list doesn’t take away from their incredible legacies at Alabama. They will always be part of the program’s rich history and will continue to be celebrated by fans and analysts alike.