News Article
Published
Oct 17, 2026 at 12:57 PM EDT
The College Football Playoff race is beginning to take shape.
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban believes a small group of programs have separated themselves from the competition. His latest assessment comes with a major test looming that could reshape the national title picture.
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Speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show," Saban identified four teams he considers the most complete contenders. McAfee shared a video of the discussion on X.
"How many teams do you think right now know, 'Hey, we can win a national championship this year. We can do this,'" Saban was asked.
"I think there's four teams up there -- Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State -- those have been the four teams to me that have been the most dominant and are the most complete," Saban responded.
Saban also explained that talent alone does not determine whether a team can win a national championship. Handling adversity and managing expectations are equally important.
He also acknowledged Alabama's potential but placed the Crimson Tide among the next group of contenders.
"I love Alabama, you guys all know that, and I think that next tier of teams right there have a chance to be that if they have the right stuff," he said.
Saban then explained what separates the leading teams.
"Are they going to respond to the failures that they had the right way? Are they going to be able to deal with success?" he asked. "But those teams in that first four category seem to be able to have the maturity to do that."
Indiana now has an opportunity to strengthen its case.
Ohio State enters its matchup against Indiana with a 5-1 record, while the Hoosiers 6-0. The matchup could provide a clearer picture of both teams' championship credentials.
Saban's assessment is not a final verdict. However, his emphasis on maturity offers a useful reminder. The teams that respond best to pressure often separate themselves when the stakes rise.