The Sabans have an extravagant knack for attracting people to them. First, Nick Saban’s popularity in the college football fraternity comes from his unparalleled success. Saban’s reputation as a defensive mastermind and in-game coach also sheds light on why players love him so much. People in the CFB world know and love Nick just as much as anyone else. But let’s not forget that his wife, Miss Terry Saban, has her own ways of pulling the crowd towards herself.

Miss Terry’s magnetic presence was seen before the Alabama vs. Vanderbilt game, when she appeared alongside the ESPN crew on College GameDay. The cameras caught her smiling and interacting with fans, even responding with humor when asked about a fan-made sign that boldly declared, “SABAN IS SEXY.” Without missing a beat, Miss Terry quipped, “I think it’s correct.” ESPN host Jess Sims reposted the College Game Day clip of her interviewing Miss Terry on X. And the caption sincerely demonstrated how excited she was, “MS. TERRY IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST!” she writes.

Miss Terry showcased her connection to the Alabama community by handing out pepperoni rolls to students waiting in the crowd. She knows that pepperoni rolls are a bit of a local tradition and a beloved comfort food in Alabama. And Jess didn’t really let that moment slide without creating a bit of energy amid the fans.

“Oh my gosh,” she said while Miss Terry tossed the rolls into the crowd. “This is the most iconic thing that has ever happened to anyone around here. You’re about to get pepperoni rolls from Ms. Terry.” The best thing? The Alabama crowd is getting a Nick Saban favorite right from Miss Terry’s kitchen. This gesture embodied the beloved “matriarch” role among the Crimson Tide faithful. And she was clearly happy doing that. It’s because when Jess asked her how she felt coming back onto the campus, Miss Terry had a very candid reaction. “It’s like being home, we lived here for almost 20 years, and these people are my family.” Miss Terry said.

It clearly showcases how close the Saban family was with the Alabama football program. But the students won’t let Miss Terry go without honoring her with a gesture of their own. The fans legit made signs and joked about it, like, “Vandy fears Miss Terry.” Moments like these are why Miss Terry stands out in the college football world as much as her legendary husband.

Nick Saban and Miss Terry’s unwavering support for Tuscaloosa

Nick Saban continues to make headlines. But this time it’s something more about laying a foundation alongside his wife, Miss Terry. Both Nick and Miss Terry are deeply invested in their hometown beyond the football field. After retiring from coaching in 2023, Nick wasn’t ready to fade away quietly. On the Pat McAfee Show, Nick gave a glimpse of what he and Miss Terry have been cooking up for Tuscaloosa. He announced a $150 million interactive learning center aimed at transforming education for kids in the area.

The project is focused on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) but also integrates arts, theater, and sports for a well-rounded approach. And Miss Terry played her part with extreme sincerity. She raised private funds for this project through her Set Foundation, which contributed $15 million. The center will serve 30,000 local kids and reach up to 170,000 within an hour’s radius. I mean, it’s a huge impact that goes far beyond football.

The project, officially dubbed the “Saban Center,” is part of a larger public-private partnership. And there are other organizations as well supporting this initiative. Elevate Tuscaloosa chipped in $42 million, funded by a 1% sales tax aimed at boosting education and community services. And on the other hand, the state of Alabama kicked in another $25 million. So it’s a collective effort, but one where the Sabans’ involvement is the primary focus.