Nick Saban is buying stock in West Virginia football. As the 2026 college football season continues on an important early stretch, the legendary coach has identified the Mountaineers as a potential spoiler in a wide-open Big 12 race. Speaking ahead of West Virginia’s showdown with Oklahoma State, Saban highlighted the Mountaineers’ ability to control games on the ground. That makes them a team capable of shaking up the conference picture.
Article Continues Below"I'm with you…
West Virginia could be the dark horse in the Big 12"
Coach Saban #CollegeGameDay https://t.co/ykOmNRiB1Y pic.twitter.com/4wa9XfZ42r
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 26, 2026
“West Virginia could be the dark horse in the Big 12,” Saban said, backing Rich Rodriguez’s squad as a legitimate threat.
Saban’s endorsement adds even more intrigue to a program already generating momentum. West Virginia entered the Oklahoma State matchup unbeaten after a 38-27 victory over Virginia. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and running back Cam Cook have powered a productive rushing attack. Saban specifically pointed to that ground game as a way for the Mountaineers to shrink games, control tempo, and neutralize opponents that rely heavily on their passing attack. Pat McAfee, meanwhile, has been even more bullish on his alma mater. He declared himself “ALL IN” on West Virginia and predicted a special night in Morgantown.
Saban has more than enough credibility to make the prediction resonate, of course. Across a 28-year college head coaching career at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama, he compiled a 297–71–1 record and won seven national championships. Those include one at LSU and six at Alabama. His relentless recruiting, defensive discipline, and famous “process” helped reshape modern college football. Meanwhile, his programs produced numerous NFL stars and Heisman Trophy winners. Now, his West Virginia prediction gives the Mountaineers another reason to believe they belong in the Big 12 conversation.