Incredible Alabama, Nick Saban connection following first College Football Playoff Top 25 reveal

The reveal of the first College Football Playoff rankings for 2021 was certainly interesting but Nick Saban provided one of the most incredible tidbits of the night.

With Georgia, Alabama, Michigan State and Oregon coming out on top of the rankings, the top four programs all feature head coaches that were on Nick Saban’s 2015 staff in Tuscaloosa.

The head coaches of the four teams that would be in the College Football Playoff today were all coaches the 2015 Alabama staff: Nick Saban (HC), Kirby Smart (DC), Mel Tucker (DB) and Mario Cristobal (OL). Crazy.

— Rainer Sabin (@RainerSabin) November 3, 2021

In 2015, Nick Saban was in his ninth year as the head coach of the University of Alabama. Kirby Smart was in his eighth and last year as Saban’s defensive coordinator. Mel Tucker was in his first year at Alabama coaching defensive backs and Mario Cristobal was in his third year as Saban’s offensive line coach.

The 2015 team won the SEC with one loss to Ole Miss. They also won the National Championship, beating Clemson 45-40. Running back Derrick Henry also won the Heisman Trophy.

Kirby Smart left Alabama for Georgia after the National Championship, taking Mel Tucker with him. Mario Cristobal stayed one more season at Alabama before joining Willie Taggart at Oregon and eventually taking over.

Also on Nick Saban’s staff in 2015: Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and ULL head coach Billy Napier.

CFP Top 4 breakdown

Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs defense has paved the way in 2021, making them the CFP’s top contenders through Week Nine. Ranked No. 2 in the NCAA in yards allowed, Georgia features many high-end prospects who allowed their first 300-yard game last week. They have given up just six touchdowns over eight games, allowing 3.76 yards per play. The offense has question marks, particularly at quarterback with the carousel of JT Daniels and Stetson Bennett unsettled. However, with many injury returns on the horizon, the outlook can only improve with added chemistry and experience across the board.

Remaining schedule: Missouri, at Tennessee, Charleston Southern, at Georgia Tech

Alabama

Alabama’s young squad has experienced growing pains on both sides of the ball. Despite struggles – at least by Alabama standards – the offense ranks No. 10 and defense ranks No. 13 in the country. The early loss against a Texas A&M without its starting quarterback hurt, but the season’s fate could rest in Atlanta, Georgia, where Georgia awaits the SEC West champion in the conference title game.

Remaining schedule: LSU, New Mexico State, Arkansas, at Auburn

Michigan State

In year two under Mel Tucker, Michigan State has come to life. Heisman candidate Kenneth Walker III and fellow transfer Payton Thorne have led the way for a renaissance for the Spartans. Ranked No. 103 in the country, the defense surrenders plenty of yards but has only allowed 17 touchdowns.

Remaining schedule: at Purdue, Maryland, at Ohio State, at Penn State

Oregon

Oregon started hot with a road win over Big Ten favorite Ohio State. A rough run, accompanied by bad injury luck, led many to rule out Oregon following its loss against unranked Stanford. However, an offensive resurgence by Anthony Browns and Travis Dye has them back in the conversation, leaving their relationship with Ohio State up for debate.

Remaining schedule: at Washington, Washington State, at Utah, Oregon State

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.