BYU football missed out on cracking into the College Football Playoffs in 2025. Now the Cougars rank No. 8 in the ClutchPoints power rankings. But count Nick Saban as someone who's high on coach Kalani Sitake and his team.

The legendary college football head coach turned ESPN analyst weighed in on who looks impressive in the Big 12 Conference.

“The team that has impressed me the most in the Big 12 is BYU,” Saban said during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I think Bear Bachmeier is playing better at quarterback. He's a more effective, efficient passer and can throw the ball. Plus they can still run the ball and play tough on defense. So I think that's a team I think people need to keep an eye out in the Big 12.”

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Saban endorsing the Cougars is huge, especially for a program itching to return to the national title stage. BYU hasn't won a national championship since 1984 under legendary head coach Lavell Edwards. That Cougars team remains the only one from a non-traditional power conference who won the title. BYU played in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during a time it operated in the NCAA Division I realm.

But now the Cougars face a stronger chance to represent one of the 12 spots in the postseason, given their status as a Big 12 representative. However, their chances bolster by winning out and eventually, winning the conference title in Arlington come December. But count Saban as one who's emerging as a big believer in the 2026 BYU squad.