{
  "id": 10025600,
  "title": "Nick Saban Unashamedly Admits He’d Break This NCAA Rule if He Was Still Coaching",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/nick-saban-unashamedly-admits-hed-break-this-ncaa-rule-if-he-was",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T17:22:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/nick-saban-unashamedly-admits-hed-break-this-ncaa-rule-if-he-was-still-coaching-12492951"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, fresh into his sophomore season, has quickly become the talk of Tuscaloosa. The young player's performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite Nick Saban's retirement from coaching, the former Alabama coach remains closely involved in the college football landscape. During an appearance on ESPN's College GameDay, Saban made a surprising statement. \"If I was coaching right now, I'd be trying to get Kamario Taylor to get in the portal,\" Saban declared. The comment stirred quite a reaction, as NCAA rules strictly prohibit coaches from reaching out to players at rival institutions unless the player has entered the transfer portal. This statement from Saban, while playful, sits right on the line of what is legally permissible. Taylor, however, has chosen to make a significant impact on the field. In just three games, he has amassed an impressive total of 1,010 yards, and he is the sole Power Four quarterback to have achieved over 800 passing yards and 175 rushing yards this season. His performance against South Carolina stands out, as Mississippi State trailed 16-0, but Taylor's inspired play led the Bulldogs to a dramatic 41-34 victory. This comeback serves as a testament to his composure under pressure, a quality that cannot be coached into a player. As he faces increasingly tough SEC defenses, the real challenge awaits. For now, Saban has bestowed one of the highest compliments in college football, delivered in the most unexpected way.",
  "summary": "Nick Saban admits he would pursue Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor through the transfer portal if he were still coaching.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor excelling in sophomore season.",
    "Nick Saban, despite retirement, suggests targeting Taylor via portal.",
    "Saban's comment skirts NCAA rule prohibiting coach-player contact."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}