Nick Saban may need stepped away from the sideline, however his presence nonetheless looms massive over Alabama soccer. Throughout ESPN’s School GameDay this weekend, the legendary former head coach made certain to defend his outdated program after analyst Kirk Herbstreit praised Vanderbilt’s progress since final 12 months’s stunning upset over the Crimson Tide.
Along with his trademark grin, Saban reminded everybody that Alabama stays elite. “Let me communicate up for Alabama now — we’re higher too,” he mentioned, drawing laughs from the panel.
The trade mirrored the depth surrounding Alabama’s Week 6 matchup in opposition to No. 16 Vanderbilt, a revenge recreation almost a 12 months within the making.
Whereas Saban’s phrases stirred nostalgia, Alabama made headlines of its personal on the recruiting entrance. In accordance with Hayes Fawcett on X, Class of 2027 cornerback Nash Johnson III has dedicated to Alabama.
BREAKING: Class of 2027 CB Nash Johnson III has Dedicated to Alabama, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’1 170 CB from Atlanta, GA selected the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Kentucky, & Vanderbilt
“Bama Sure🐘🔴⚪️”https://t.co/UaJUIii8WE pic.twitter.com/srzh8OWfhx
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 4, 2025
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound defensive again from Atlanta, Georgia, selected the Crimson Tide over provides from Georgia, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. Johnson’s dedication provides Alabama a significant win in a recruiting battle in opposition to its SEC rivals, notably the Bulldogs, who had been seen because the frontrunners.
Fawcett reported that Johnson introduced Rivals, including one other high-upside defensive again to Kalen DeBoer’s future roster.
The information comes at a time when Alabama is refocusing its id below DeBoer. Since changing Saban, the brand new head coach has prioritized rebuilding the protection by means of athletic, versatile recruits, gamers like Johnson who match the mould of previous Tide greats.
Alabama has additionally leaned on latest momentum, rebounding from its early-season struggles with a 24-21 victory over Georgia in Week 5. The win reignited optimism in Tuscaloosa forward of the extremely anticipated Vanderbilt rematch at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Earlier this week, DeBoer joined School GameDay and shared how final 12 months’s loss to Vanderbilt reshaped the group’s mindset. “You need to be taught from each the positives and the negatives,” he mentioned.
“Our guys have performed an amazing job of taking that have and channeling it into the correct of power.” Regardless of lingering skepticism from components of the fan base, Alabama sits at tenth within the AP Ballot and seems to be regaining its trademark edge.
For Crimson Tide followers, Johnson’s dedication is one other signal of stability within the post-Saban period. With DeBoer successful key recruiting battles and Alabama tightening up on the sphere, this system’s message is evident: the usual hasn’t modified.