Nick Saban might no longer be prowling the sidelines with a grimy look, but his presence still looms large over Alabama football. Recently the Alabama’s defensive back, Bray Hubbard appeared on his Ryan Williams & Jaylen Mbakwe’s podcast, shared his classic 101 Nick Saban story that showcased the legendary coach’s fiery, no-nonsense style. The moment was about more than football—it was more like life lessons and a little tough love.

On November 21, Bray Hubbard, Alabama’s go-to-defense guy, went to “New Wave Podcast” recalling his bye-week practice from the previous season, when Alabama was prepping for a showdown with Kentucky. As the defense worked through drills, Hubbard admitted to messing up a call, and that’s Nick Saban went off. “He was like, ‘18, what are you doing? You’re just worried about going home!’” Hubbard recalled while mimicking Nick Saban’s tone.“He said, ‘There ain’t nothing there!’ ” The room burst into laughter as Hubbard delivered the moment. Saban is all about consistency and self-discipline. You can’t simply mess around when Nick Saban is around. But it was clear Saban’s words had left him a real lasting impression.

The story didn’t end on the practice field. Hubbard revealed a more human side of Saban when he accidentally bumped into him while leaving a practice. “He was like, ‘Man, have fun in Mississippi,’ and I was like, ‘There ain’t nothing there,’” Hubbard shared with a laugh. “And then he just started laughing.”A cheeky banter among the boys. The lighthearted exchange underscored the bond Saban built with his squad—a mix of tough love and humor that made him both loved and feared at the same time.

When Ryan Williams, Alabama’s 17-year-old “It” factor and host of podcast, heard the story, he couldn’t help but laugh. “I wouldn’t be able to hold it together,” Williams said, imagining Saban’s stern yet hilarious delivery. Hubbard chimed in with another classic Saban quirk: “Man, when he throws his hat, he throws that hat a mile! And he’s coming after you too.” No funny business for Nick Saban while putting the hours for the Saturday Afternoon.

Alabama Crimson Roll Tide’s Playoff Aspirations

While Nick Saban’s leadership may not be around, the Crimson Roll Tide is far from out of the playoff hunt. After a shaky start and mid-schedule bump, Alabama Crimson Roll Tide is currently 8-2 and sitting at the 5th position at the SEC table. Alabama’s 52-7 abomination on Week 12 of Mercer Bears didn’t shake up the College football playoff rankings much, but thanks to key losses by Tennessee Volunteers and BYU Cougars. The Tide Roll climbed to No.7 in the latest CFP standings. That’s a three-spot jump from the previous week and puts Alabama within striking distance of clinching a playoff spot.

If the playoff started today, Alabama would square off against No.6 ranked Notre Dame in the first round for a chance to take on No.1 ranked Oregon Ducks. With a washed-up 5-5 Oklahoma up next in their final regular season road game, the Crimson Tide have everything to play for. And While Saban may not be on the sidelines, his relentless “mentality” remains the guiding force behind Alabama’s playoff run. The Legacy lives on, and so does the belief in Tuscaloosa.

Because, let’s be real for a sec: you don’t just replace a legend– you carry them with you.