Former Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban shared a powerful message with this year’s graduating class, as he introduced and welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump to the stage.
President Trump spoke to the graduating class of 2025 at the University of Alabama on Thursday night ahead of their official commencement ceremonies, which get underway today.
Nick Saban Shares Powerful Life Lessons With Graduating Class at UA
Coach Saban, who famously led the Crimson Tide to eight National Championship victories, introduced President Trump ahead of his speech.
“It’s certainly an honor for me to be here, to participate in this historic event, to introduce President Trump to address the graduates here today, but to be honest, I feel like I’m the warm-up band for the Rolling Stones.” Saban began to laugh furiously.
The former head coach went on to congratulate the students on the hard work they had put in, while also addressing their commitment to the college.
“But I want you to remember something: you created an opportunity to create a legacy now, like that 2009 team, the Class of 2025 has the chance to create a legacy of success.”
“You’re gonna face new challenges, you’re gonna face new opportunities now,” the former Crimson Tide coach explained.
Immediately following this, the Crimson Tide legend then went on to impart his wisdom to the next generation, citing “The Process” as a learning tool.
“I always tell people that you need to be very wise about the goals that you set. But more importantly, you have to define ‘what do I need to do to accomplish those goals?’ That’s called ‘The Process.”
“You’ve got to earn it. Have accountability for what your job is. The competition is not other teams or other people. It’s not about being better than someone else,” Saban explained. “It’s about being the best that you can be.”
After imparting his wisdom from throughout the years, Saban concluded his speech by thanking the President for choosing the Crimson Tide for his commencement speech, going on to introduce the US leader.
US President Donald Trump Addresses the Crimson Tide
During his speech, President Trump addressed several different matters, offering words of encouragement and advice to the graduating class, boasting about how tech moguls are now “kissing his ass.”, immigration and more.
“I think that no matter what political party or whatever you believe in, I think that it’s super cool that we get to experience and make history and be a part of this,” Commented one graduate. Sophie Best, a 21-year-old advertising major
When President Donald Trump hit the stage, he also introduced himself by riling up the crowd by talking about the former Head Coach and asking where they were when he finally retired.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
“Nick Saban, what a great coach. Let’s bring him back. No, you have a good coach right now, though. You have a good coach right now.” Trump joked.
Trump is referring to Kalen DeBoer, the current Head Coach of the Crimson Tide. DeBoer took charge of the Crimson Tide last year and led them to a 9-4 record in his first season, missing out on the playoffs.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
