Nick Saban Set to Draw Attention to Steve Sarkisian on College GameDay

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 7:56 PM ET

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has something he wants to ask Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on "College GameDay."

Saban and Sarkisian are very familiar with each other, and not just because they played against one another as head coaches. Alabama and Texas met twice with those two as coaches.

However, Sarkisian was first the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama before the two met as head coaches.

The Longhorns' offense has struggled this season, ranking 10th in the SEC for points per game (29) and 11th in both passing yards per game (235.9) and rushing yards per game (139.8).

Saban revealed on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he is going to ask Sarkisian what is causing the issues.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Mickey Welsh, Montgomery Advertiser via Imagn Content Services, LLC

"It just seems like Texas has struggled a little bit to get any kind of rhythm going on offense for whatever reasons, I don't know what," Saban said. "That's the question I'd love to ask Sark, you know, tomorrow when he's on the show, is what needs to be fixed. Is it the offensive line? Is it the inability to run the ball? Inability to protect the passer? What are the issues here?"

The highly anticipated 2025 debut of quarterback Arch Manning did not go as planned for then-ranked No. 1 Texas. Manning threw for 170 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 14-7 loss to then-ranked No. 3 Ohio State.

Since then, Manning has been inconsistent, throwing for multiple touchdowns in the wins over San Jose State and Sam Houston, but struggling against UTEP and Kentucky.

Saban and Sarkisian faced each other as head coaches in 2022 and 2023, with Alabama winning the first matchup in Austin 20-19. However, Texas got revenge the following year in 2023, beating Alabama 34-24 in Tuscaloosa.

The legendary Alabama head coach retired after that season, as the series is tied with his former assistant.

Saturday's question from Saban will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention. It will be interesting to see how Sarkisian decides to answer his former boss.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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