Josh Pate, one of college football’s most prominent analysts, recently weighed in on the lasting ripple effects of Nick Saban’s retirement, suggesting it has weakened the Southeastern Conference’s once-unshakable dominance over the sport. For nearly two decades, Saban’s Alabama dynasty stood as the gold standard, not only elevating the Crimson Tide but also cementing the SEC’s reputation as the premier conference in college football. With his departure, Pate argues, the league has lost a major piece of its “death grip” on the national landscape.
Saban’s run at Alabama was unmatched—six national championships, countless NFL-caliber players, and a culture of relentless competitiveness. His program set the pace that forced the rest of the SEC to evolve, raising the bar in recruiting, facilities, and coaching hires. According to Pate, without Saban at the helm, the SEC may no longer have the same intimidating edge, especially as other conferences like the Big Ten and ACC grow stronger.
Programs such as Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, are still carrying the SEC flag at the highest level, but Pate believes the overall balance of power in college football is beginning to even out. With major programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, and even Florida State positioning themselves as legitimate national contenders, the SEC’s once automatic claim to supremacy is now being tested.
Still, while Pate acknowledges the void Saban’s absence leaves, he also notes that the SEC’s depth and history of success can’t be ignored. The conference continues to produce elite teams and top-tier talent. But the aura of invincibility—the “death grip” that Pate describes—has loosened. College football is entering a new era, one where parity is increasing, and Saban’s retirement might just be the turning point that opened the
door.
