Nick Saban Reveals 'Most Improved' Team In The SEC

The SEC has been the most talent-filled, dominant conference in college football for years. Some of the top dogs that continue to show consistency each season include the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers.

Alabama's future may be in question with the retirement of Nick Saban, but the Tide seem to be building something special under Kalen DeBoer.

As he walked away from the sideline, Saban joined the ESPN "College GameDay" crew as an analyst.

He was featured on the show for the first time in the 2024-25 college football season on Saturday when they covered the Florida State Seminoles versus Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Week Zero matchup.

While he was speaking about the current state of the SEC, Saban shared his pick for the most improved team in the conference. A team many haven't talked about in the past few years, the Auburn Tigers.

"I think Auburn is going to be the most improved team in the league," Saban said. "I really do."

The Auburn Tigers are heading into their second year under head coach Hugh Freeze after finishing the 2023-24 season with a 7-6 record.

They have a couple of talented freshmen who can be immediate playmakers for the program, including wide receivers Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. They're also walking into the season with an established starter at the quarterback position in Payton Thorne.

Auburn will begin the season on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET against Alabama A&M.

They're going to be tested with four ranked games on the road, playing the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs, No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide, No. 11 Missouri Tigers, and Kentucky away from their home stadium.

Despite their strength of schedule, Nick Saban has confidence in the Auburn Tigers.

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