Fans show frustration at Nick Saban's transfer portal comments for Kamario Taylor
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Fans show frustration at Nick Saban's transfer portal comments for Kamario Taylor originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Nick Saban's transition from coach to media member in recent years has introduced fans to a different side of the coach. Occasionally, though, Saban will say something that does not go over well, an that happened on "College GameDay" on Saturday morning.
Saban made a comment regarding Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, who has been a breakout star so far in 2026, suggesting that the quarterback could transfer after just one year in Starkville. That comes on the heels of Saban's involvement in the Protect College Sports Act, which in part is aimed at controlling the transfer portal.
As Saban has gotten more comfortable on "College GameDay," he has revealed his personality more than he did as a coach. That doesn't always mean that he will be well-liked among college football fans.
Here's what Saban said about Taylor.
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Nick Saban's Kamario Taylor comments
While picking the Mississippi State-Missouri game on "College GameDay," Nick Saban had a ton of praise for quarterback Kamario Taylor, even flatly suggesting that coaches on other teams should be tampering to try and get him.
"If I was coaching right now, I'd be trying to get Kamario Taylor to get in the portal," Saban said.
Pat McAfee immediately caught Saban and acknowledged that it is illegal to recruit players from other teams midseason.
"I mean, ethically suspect if yo're doing that in the middle of a season," he said.
Saban's comments did not go over well with some fans, who called the coach hypocritical as he is also lobbying for the Protect College Sports Act.
Saban on Gameday at 10:50a: “Protect College Sports! Thank you Trump for saving college sports!”
Saban at 11:50a: “If I were still coaching? I’d do whatever it takes to convince [MSU QB Kamario Taylor] to get in the Portal”
Yup, that about sums it up 👍
— Luke Bogus (@lukebogus) September 26, 2026
Nick Saban, who we were always told “did things the right way at Alabama,” while half the campus was driving around in brand-new Dodge Chargers, just can’t help himself.
“If I was coaching right now, I’d be trying (tampering) to get KaMario Taylor to get in the portal.”
Ya Nick… https://t.co/I0kbQfEFWo
— Brennon Chapman (@BrennonChapman) September 26, 2026
Saban has become so unlikable. Comes off as a major hypocrite here. https://t.co/ooNly9TF05
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) September 26, 2026
This is obviously funny, but is actually quite consistent with classic Saban. He’s always been very open that he will push for rules that he thinks would improve the sport, and will also exploit whatever the current rules are to maximize success for his team. https://t.co/Zn1prhx1XK
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 26, 2026
Nick Saban on GameDay:
"If I was coaching right now, I'd be trying to get Kamario Taylor to get in the portal."
I believe him, he has a record of illegally tampering with players not in the portal
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) September 26, 2026
Taylor is a true freshman who has caught eyes with his play this year, and in the current nature of college football, there is a question of whether he will transfer after the season. Saban's comments did not comfort fans who are frustrated by the current state of the sport.
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