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Ex-LSU national champ lobs accusation at Nick Saban explaining ‘mid’ Alabama

Breiden Fehoko, a former LSU national champion defensive end, criticized Alabama head coach Nick Saban on social media following the Crimson Tide’s 26–10 loss to Tennessee. The defeat marked Alabama’s second consecutive SEC loss, raising questions about their playoff hopes after a season that had previously included a national championship appearance in 2021 and a semifinal loss to Michigan in 2023.

Fehoko’s post suggested that Alabama’s recent struggles coincided with the introduction of NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, implying Saban’s program had previously relied on indirect financial support through dealerships to compensate players. Fehoko, who played at LSU during its 2019 title-winning season, also noted Saban’s retirement announcement earlier this year, citing his age and desire to spend time with family as factors, rather than allegations of financial impropriety.

Despite Fehoko’s claims, Saban has never been found to have provided improper benefits, and Alabama’s program remains one of the most dominant in college football. The NIL era began in 2021, and Saban’s teams have continued to perform at a high level, including a Sugar Bowl victory and a fifth-place national ranking in 2022.

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