During the 2025 NFL Draft, Nick Saban laments his “biggest recruiting mistake” as coach.
Nick Saban, the legendary former head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, has built a dynasty in college football, securing seven national championships and consistently producing NFL-caliber talent. However, even the most successful coaches have their regrets. One such regret for Saban is his failure to recruit running back Quinshon Judkins, a decision he openly acknowledged as his “biggest recruiting mistake.”
Quinshon Judkins, hailing from Pike Road, Alabama, was a standout at Pike Road High School. Despite his impressive high school performance, Judkins was only rated as a three-star recruit by major scouting services. This rating led many top programs, including Alabama, to overlook him during the recruiting process.
Judkins ultimately committed to Ole Miss, where he made an immediate impact. In his freshman season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns, quickly becoming one of the most dynamic running backs in the SEC. His performance caught the attention of many, including Saban. (Nick Saban feels Alabama missed out by not recruiting Quinshon Judkins)
During an SEC coaches’ teleconference, Saban was asked about Judkins’ breakout season. He responded candidly, stating, (Nick Saban Expresses Regret For Not Recruiting Ole Miss Running Back Quinshon Judkins – The Grove Report – Sports Illustrated at Ole Miss)
“We looked at him coming out last year. In hindsight, it’d be great if he was on our team.” (Nick Saban Names 1 Player He Regrets Not Recruiting Harder – The Spun)
This admission was significant, as Saban is known for his meticulous recruiting process and rarely acknowledges mistakes publicly. His regret over missing out on Judkins highlighted the challenges even elite programs face in evaluating talent.
The decision to not recruit Judkins more aggressively had several implications. For Alabama, it meant missing out on a local talent who could have contributed immediately to their offense. For Judkins, it was an opportunity to prove himself at a high level, which he did with remarkable success at Ole Miss. (Nick Saban feels Alabama missed out by not recruiting Quinshon Judkins)
This situation also underscored the complexities of the recruiting process. Despite being a local prospect, Judkins was overlooked due to his three-star rating. This highlights the limitations of recruiting rankings and the importance of thorough evaluation beyond star ratings.
Saban’s reflection on this missed opportunity serves as a valuable lesson for coaches and recruiters. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive scouting and the willingness to look beyond conventional metrics. The Judkins case illustrates that talent can be overlooked, and sometimes, the most impactful players come from unexpected places.
Nick Saban’s acknowledgment of missing out on Quinshon Judkins is a rare instance of vulnerability from a coach known for his precision and success. While the mistake was significant, it also humanizes Saban and provides insight into the complexities of college football recruiting. Ultimately, the Judkins saga serves as a reminder that in the world of sports, even the best can miss the mark, but it’s how they learn and adapt that defines their legacy.
