Nick Saban, the legendary college coach and current ESPN analyst, alluded to Lions All-Pro running back Jahmyr Gibbs while discussing Jeanty, who comes to the NFL after having one of the greatest individual seasons by a running back in the history of college football.
Nick Saban Alludes to Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs While Analyzing Jeanty’s Historic College Season
Nick Saban, celebrated for his legendary coaching career and now bringing his expertise to ESPN’s analyst desk, made headlines this week when he drew a striking comparison between one of the NFL’s rising stars and a potential future one. While evaluating the collegiate tape of George Holani Jeanty — who recently declared for the NFL Draft after a record-setting season — Saban alluded to Detroit Lions All-Pro running back Jahmyr Gibbs, signaling just how high Jeanty’s ceiling might be.
Saban’s commentary came during an ESPN segment where he broke down Jeanty’s game film and contextualized the former Boise State standout’s achievements in terms only a coach of his stature could provide. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the game, Saban didn’t just praise Jeanty’s vision, burst, and versatility — he framed his potential by invoking the name of one of the NFL’s most electrifying young playmakers.
“Jeanty reminds me a lot of Jahmyr Gibbs,” Saban said. “You watch the way he accelerates through holes, how he can be used in the passing game, his instincts — it’s very similar to what we saw from Gibbs when he came out.”
Saban, who coached Gibbs during his final collegiate season at Alabama before the back was selected 12th overall by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, is uniquely positioned to make such a comparison. Under Saban, Gibbs showcased his dynamic ability as both a rusher and a receiver, traits that have translated quickly to the pro level as he became a focal point in Detroit’s offense.
Jeanty’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. He rushed for over 1,600 yards and added nearly 500 receiving yards, scoring 21 total touchdowns and leading Boise State to a Mountain West title. His combination of production and playmaking ability has placed him firmly in the conversation as one of the top running backs in this year’s draft class.
While comparisons between college and pro players are often made loosely, Saban’s endorsement carries weight. He’s coached and evaluated dozens of NFL-caliber backs — including Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Mark Ingram, and Najee Harris — and understands the nuances that separate a good college player from a successful professional one.
“For a guy like Jeanty,” Saban continued, “what separates him is how complete his game is. That’s what we saw with Jahmyr. It’s not just about speed or stats. It’s about being versatile, being dependable, and making explosive plays in critical situations.”
Saban’s analysis adds a new layer of intrigue around Jeanty as the NFL Draft approaches. With teams increasingly seeking running backs who can impact both phases of the offense, a Gibbs-like trajectory could elevate Jeanty’s draft stock in the coming weeks.
As one of college football’s most successful and respected voices, Nick Saban’s comparisons don’t come lightly — and for Jeanty, being mentioned in the same breath as Jahmyr Gibbs is more than just a compliment. It’s a signal that NFL teams should be paying close attention.