"He should have his own wing": CFB world celebrates Nick Saban's new Hall of Fame announcement

Nick Saban is one of the most successful coaches in college football history. He has a good case as being the best to ever put on a headset.

Before Friday's College Football Semifinal between Texas and Ohio State at the Cotton Bowl, Saban was surprised with the news by ESPN's "College GameDay" cast. He's been announced as the first inductee of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class.

Saban deserves the honor, having been the standard of the sport for a long period of time. Before retiring from coaching last year and joining ESPN television broadcasts, Nick Saban collected seven national titles during his illustrious sideline career, including six while in charge at the University of Alabama.

At one point, the Crimson Tide claimed three BCS titles in four years. The seven national championships are the most among FBS coaches of all time. Fans were excited at the news and took to the comments to share their thoughts.

"He should have his own wing," wrote @j__t__3 on X after the announcement.

Saban, 73, also never suffered a losing season. He helped 66 first-team All-Americans, four Heisman Trophy winners, and 52 first-round NFL Draft picks. During what felt like all of Saban's time in charge of Alabama, the program was basically a shoo-in to contend for a national crown. Nick Saban won 11 SEC titles and another in the MAC.

Most reactions from fans were of them calling him 'The GOAT,' as they left emojis of the farm animal in the comments section.

Some weren't really shocked to hear the news.

"This is the least surprising thing I think I've ever read on this app." @joe_b_smitty posted on X.

"What I love most about Saban is that he never takes credit for his success. Always makes sure to give credit to all of his staff and players. It’s all about We," a fan wrote.

Other Crimson Tide coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame include Gene Stallings, Frank Thomas, and Wallace Wade. Alabama's board of trustees voted to dedicate the turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium after him last summer. He was honored prior to the Crimson Tide's game against South Florida earlier this season.

One fan thinks that, with all the hardware Saban earned, a trophy should bear his name.

"1 year since the goat retired and the rest of college football was finally able to breathe !" @DeSabanator posted on X. "HOF is great but at what point do we see it called the Nick Saban National championship trophy or something as such !"

There's likely not an Alabama fan who doesn't hold Nick Saban in the highest regard. Those who would make the ultimate sacrifice for him are probably a much smaller portion, but a portion, nonetheless.

"I would die for Nick Saban" @jackmeh73836261 posted on X.

What college football has looked like without Nick Saban

The Crimson Tide hired former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer as Saban's replacement. DeBoer's squad finished 9-4 this season, missing out on the College Football Playoff. While Nick Saban was at the helm for Alabama, it made eight of 10 of the four-team brackets.

Coaches Urban Meyer, Tommy Tuberville, and Larry Coker will hope to join Saban as inductees. As will former standout players Ki-Jana Carter (Penn State), Dallas Clark (Iowa), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), Mark Ingram (Alabama), Josh Heupel (Oklahoma), and Marvin Harrison (Syracuse).

The rest of the group will be revealed on ESPN2's "College Football Live" on Jan. 15.