Nick Saban predicts Auburn will be among ‘most improved’ teams in SEC on College GameDay

Nick Saban admits that some Alabama fans may not like to hear this, so consider yourself warned. The former Crimson Tide head coach thinks the Auburn Tigers will be the most improved team in the SEC this season.

Saban’s far from the first to convey this opinion, either. The Tigers, coached by Hugh Freeze, are expected to make a significant leap from Year 1 to Year 2 on The Plains.

According to Saban, a few big reasons why are defensive coordinator DJ Durkin and the addition of some big-time playmakers such as KeAndre Lambert-Smith and freshman Cam Coleman at receiver.

Here’s a look at Saban’s full comments on College GameDay:

Watch out for @AuburnFootball #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/lwh7rd13yK

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 7, 2024

Auburn gets Cal this week, a rematch from last year’s close game in Berkeley. Auburn should get a good game from Justin Wilcox and the Golden Bears, but it’ll be a good test for Payton Thorne and Co. after a blowout win over Alabama A&M last weekend.

And if Auburn does finish with a strong record this season it will definitely be indicative of a good year. The Tigers play a tough schedule that includes road games at Missouri, Kentucky and Georgia and home games against Alabama, Texas A&M and Oklahoma. None of those games are going to be easy, folks.

The Tigers kick off Week 2 at 3:30 on ESPN2 from Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.