Saban envisions CFP drawing solely from 2-3 megaconferences

Alabama head coach Nick Saban believes that a move toward megaconferences could have a significant impact on the College Football Playoff in the future.

"I think we're probably headed in a direction, like it or not, of megaconferences," he told the "Dan Patrick Show" on Friday. "How that all turns out and what's too big, and what's not big enough ... I'm not sure anybody has the answer to that right now. Maybe we have two or three megaconferences and then that's where the playoff teams come from."

Saban agreed with Patrick's assessment that college football could employ a megaconference format similar to that of the AFC and NFC in the NFL. The seven-time national champion isn't sure if that format would ultimately be beneficial or harmful.

"It's probably going to be good for some people, but it's not going to be good for all people because everybody won't be able to compete at that level. So it will create a separation. Like, at least 50% of the schools that are considered Division I schools right now would not be able to compete."

Additionally, Saban envisions a scenario where college football adopts relegation and promotion similar to European soccer pyramids.

The Crimson Tide head coach voiced his concern in July regarding the idea of megaconferences, noting that realignment would negatively affect competitive balance and traditional rivalries.

There has been plenty of movement in the college sports landscape over the past couple of years. The SEC is set to increase to 16 members by 2025 when it adds Texas and Oklahoma. Meanwhile, the Big Ten recently lured USC and UCLA from the Pac-12, with both schools set to officially join in August 2024.