Georgia’s Carson Beck talks relationship with Nick Saban, prior commitment to Alabama

Carson Beck is one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy in 2024. The Georgia quarterback has become a superstar of college football, and looks to be an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

He also almost played at Alabama. On Tuesday at SEC Media Days, Nick Saban, now working for ESPN, recalled how Beck had been committed to the Crimson Tide, before flipping Georgia.

After Saban discussed the move, Beck was asked about those days, and his relationship with the retired head coach.

“I’d say I have a great relationship with Coach Saban,” Beck said. “Obviously one of the best if not the best college coaches of all time. His demeanor, the way he approaches the game, his intelligence level towards football, the respect that he demands from his players. I think we had a great relationship.

“Obviously I never got to experience him actually being a coach, but from what I’ve heard and what I was able to see in building a relationship with him, he’s an amazing coach and an amazing person, as well.”

Alabama eventually landed Bryce Young in the class of 2020. Young went on to win the Heisman Trophy with the Crimson Tide.

Saban retired in January after 17 years as Alabama’s head coach, during which he won six national championships in Tuscaloosa. Kalen DeBoer took over the role, and will debut at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky.

On Sept. 28, Georgia will pay a visit to Tuscaloosa, giving Beck a chance to see the place he was once committed to. That game will be aired on ABC.

SEC Media Days continues through Thursday in Dallas. Alabama will get its moment in the spotlight on Wednesday.

Press conferences at the event are being shown on the SEC Network.