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'Y'all Need to be Worried': Nick Saban Sends Warning to Big Ten Contender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 3:50 PM ET

After 28 years and seven national championships as a head coach, Nick Saban has become one of the most influential voices in college football.

After so much success, his unique insight is unmatched by many other analysts. On Friday, while on "The Pat McAfee Show," he offered some advice for one Big Ten team going into Week 2.

The Iowa Hawkeyes will hit the road to face their in-state rivals, the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones. It will be the 72nd time these two teams face off, with the Hawkeyes holding the all-time lead 47-24.

However, Iowa State is poised to put up a fight, with Saban claiming, "To the Iowa fans out there, I want to say y’all need to be worried about Rocco Becht. That guy has been pretty damn good for two games. Don’t worry about your passing game, you better worry about stopping his," according to On3's Daniel Hager.

Despite starting the season 1-0, this is Iowa's first true test of the season. With hopes of competing in its third Big Ten title game since 2021, beating a ranked opponent early would be a huge boost in confidence.

According to Athlon Sports' Steve Lassan in his preseason preview, "Iowa will be in the mix again to win at least eight (or even more) games."

Nick Saban's Rocco Becht Praise Is Backed By Stats

Saban's remarks about Becht don't come out of nowhere either. In two games, he's completed 33-of-48 passes for 461 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 183.8 passer rating.

While leading the Cyclones to a 2-0 record to start the 2025 season, he's shown an ability to make smart decisions and limit turnovers.

However, facing Iowa's defense, which consistently ranks among the best in the Big Ten under coordinator Phil Parker, is no small task for Becht.

Between Saban's warning and the hostility between these two programs, it could shape up to be one of the week's best matchups. As of now, ESPN Bet lists host Iowa State as 3.5-point favorites, with the chance to put an early sting into Iowa's season.

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

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