With reference to college football, there are not many other names that can be as influential as Nick Saban. The legendary coach has recently signed up for ESPN’s College GameDay, and it has been as explosive as one would imagine. The energy is on high, and it feels like Saban’s inclusion into the College GameDay crew has brought a new chapter in college football.

The preceding episode was the battle between Notre Dame and Texas A&M, which attracted an impressive 2. 5 million viewers. That’s the highest number for a regular season episode since 2016, which has increased by a margin of 47 per cent compared to the previous season. Undoubtedly, there is such thing as “The Nick Saban Effect”, which attracts more viewers and adds eyes towards College GameDay.

The dynamic duo: Nick Saban and Pat McAfee’s winning combination

Audiences have not wasted time responding to this increased viewership, with many welcoming Saban’s introduction to the show. “I watch for Saban,” said one enthusiastic viewer, indicating on the popularity of his detailed knowledge and personality. Another joined, “Saban is a great fix, will continue to grow with him on the desk.” 

A friendship developed by Nick Saban and Pat McAfee is one of the most discussed topics in the show. The fans have surely loved this exciting combination of McAfee with Nick Saban. “@PatMcAfeeShow and Nick Saban are the perfect pairing for this show. So much fun to watch,” one fan commented.  The combination of McAfee and Saban is perfect because McAfee is an entertainer while Saban is a football expert, and both are loved by viewers.

How Nick Saban has revolutionized ESPN’s College GameDay

Saban is not a simple star that boosts ratings, but also a great value for College GameDay. A fan once wrote, “The entire GameDay crew is outstanding. But Nick Saban is a football savant & national treasure. People will increasingly tune in on Saturdays to hear what he has to say.” The presence of his ideas and opinions gives the show more than a facelift and makes the program one of the most sought-after college football events. A mixture of rigorous assessment and entertaining anchors has set indirect benchmarks within the sector of sports television.

This is what has come to be referred to as the ‘Nick Saban Effect’, as fans and analysts have attributed the ability of ESPN in College GameDay to increase its current viewership greatly directly to him. Given that the show has reached an unprecedented 2. 5 million viewers for the Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M game, it speaks volumes of what Saban’s influence has done. And that was how Saban’s unparalleled expertise and stardom are basically charting record-breaking viewership. People are supporting and encouraging Saban, as he helped in the promotion of the show and and transforming it into a must-watch event every Saturday.