Evaluating Nick Saban’s ability to recruit in NIL era, myths surrounding it

One of the areas NIL has had the biggest impact is on the recruiting trail. The sense once the NCAA approved the interim legislation was it would help level the playing field, especially from that standpoint.

It also raised questions about Nick Saban’s ability to keep Alabama on top. So far, he hasn’t seemed fazed.

Saban and the Crimson Tide have the No. 1 recruiting class coming in this year, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking, and is currently No. 3 in the nation from the 2024 cycle. Yes, the legendary coach is still recruiting at a high level, even despite the questions about how NIL would impact things.

But, as On3’s J.D. PicKell said, there’s more to Alabama than just NIL. Saban can parlay his program’s success with some NIL success to stay squarely atop the game.

“Now in that same vein, the other myth that deserves to be busted is that now, recruiting is going to be tougher for Nick Saban,” PicKell said on The Hard Count. “‘Too bad for Nick Saban. You recruited well. Not anymore. NIL, brother. It’s too bad now. Now, the playing field is level and you are in trouble. Okay?’ Think what you want to think. That’s the myth. If you want to see it busted, look at the recruiting rankings. 2023, No. 1 class — some people are saying the best class has ever signed. …. Look at 2024. He’s got a top-three class in the On3 industry rankings. I would feel pretty confident betting he will be somewhere within that top three when it comes to National Signing Day in December and the second National Signing Day in February.

“Nick Saban is not hurting when it comes to recruiting. Nick Saban is going to get top players because Alabama develops, Alabama puts guys in the NFL and oh, by the way, they win a lot of games too. So, Alabama is going to be just fine as long as Nick Saban is there.”

Saban has been outspoken about the shortfalls of NIL, particularly when it comes to enforcement and the role of NIL Collectives. However, PicKell argued that’s not Saban admitting defeat because of the role NIL plays in recruiting.

It’s his way of looking out for the game.

“Nick Saban is seeing this and seeing how it’s going to hurt the other schools and saying, ‘Listen, are we sure we want to do this? I’m going to be fine. No skin off my back. I’m Nick Saban. But are we sure we want to do this?'” PicKell said. “That’s what I think is happening right now. So for Nick Saban, this is not a thing that he is running from. This is something he’s running towards and saying, ‘I don’t think this is best.’ Could impact him long term? Maybe. It remains to be seen.

“But I don’t think this is something he’s running towards and saying, ‘Hey, it’s going to hurt me.’ I think you’re saying, ‘Hey, it’s gonna hurt our sport. Let’s put some regulation.’ Regulation, for the most part, is a good thing, nine times out of 10.”

Saban is currently in Washington, D.C. as part of the SEC’s delegation to talk about the need for NIL regulation. On3 has live updates from Capitol Hill.