Nick Saban praises Jalen Hurts while explaining 2018 CFP championship QB controversy

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College football fans will never forget Nick Saban’s contribution to the sport, especially with the Alabama Crimson Tide. One of Saban’s most crucial decisions during his tenure is coming back into the spotlight, though, after ESPN released its new docuseries.

“Saban” dropped Oct. 8 on ESPN’s platforms with six episodes breaking down the coach’s legendary career. However, a moment that continues to stick out years later is Saban famously benching Jalen Hurts during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

The Crimson Tide trailed the title game 13-0 at halftime with Hurts behind center. Ultimately, Saban made a quarterback switch to true freshman Tua Tagovailoa, which sparked a 26-23 comeback victory to take down Georgia.

The 74-year-old won six championships with the Crimson Tide, but the that season’s title was easily the most dramatic.

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Nick Saban offers more on the decision to bench Jalen Hurts & the way Hurts responded.

"I think people should recognize how much character he really has, and that’s what has propelled him to be a great player in the NFL and winning a Super Bowl… It actually made him better." https://t.co/MdB5bvRZy5

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 10, 2026

Hurts’ benching sparked a huge shift for Alabama the following season as well after the QB opted to transfer to the Oklahoma Sooners. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa became the full-time starter for Saban’s team in 2018.

The iconic college football coach says despite all the adversity that Hurts endured he’s still made himself into a “great player” at the NFL level.

“I think people should recognize how much character he really has, and that’s what has propelled him to be a great player in the NFL and winning a Super Bowl… It actually made him better,” Saban said during Saturday’s “College Gameday.”

Hurts’ career has certainly turned out pretty good considering where he was at eight years ago. He’s appeared in two Super Bowls, won one of them and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.

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Undefeated rivals Alabama and Georgia reunite for another SEC battle on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET on ABC).

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