Brent Venables led Oklahoma is taking baby steps towards the SEC championship this year and it could be challenging for them to mark the name. “I think the biggest thing for Oklahoma is the physicality of the SEC week in and week out and how they are going to be able to sustain that through the course of the season,” Nick Saban pointed out Oklahoma’s weaknesses during a media interaction in July.

It’s important to note that Saban, who retired from Alabama earlier this year, has a huge amount of experience on these topics and he’s someone whose predictions everyone takes seriously. On the Pat McAfee show, Saban made another sharp jibe at Oklahoma which has made HC Brent Venables and Oklahoma fans worried.

When Nick Saban appeared on the Pat McAfee Show from Dublin, he brought his usual candid insights, offering predictions based on his unparalleled knowledge of college football. As he discussed various programs, Saban didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts on the Oklahoma Sooners. “You know, watching Oklahoma this offseason, they are one of the most athletic teams in the country, but they are not as big and physical up front,” Saban noted, suggesting that the Sooners might lack the size and strength necessary to compete for an SEC championship.

Nick Saban knows the ball better than anyone

Known for his clear stance on the importance of size and physicality on both sides of the line, Saban didn’t hesitate to praise Oklahoma’s biggest rival, Texas. With the upcoming SEC season marking the first for both Texas and Oklahoma, much has been said about how these teams will adapt to the conference’s demands. Saban believes Texas has the upper hand, explaining, “I’ll say this about Texas. Texas was built like an SEC team. They have big people up front. They are physical.” According to Saban, Texas’s roster is better suited for the SEC’s physical style of play, giving them a greater chance of clinching the title compared to Oklahoma.

Saban is also known for his strategic use of reverse psychology—a tactic he openly discussed when he avoided picking Alabama as the SEC favorite, referring to it as “counter-rat poison.” By not placing his team at the top, Saban aims to motivate his players to outperform expectations and prove the doubters wrong. It’s classic Saban, always thinking a step ahead.

What do you think? Who are you rooting for this season, and how do you see Oklahoma faring in their first SEC championship run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!