Notre Dame Football Fan Who Hilariously Trolled Nick Saban Returns With Another Classic Moment That Has College Football Talking Again

The world of college football thrives on rivalries, tradition, and a touch of humor—and Notre Dame fans are certainly no strangers to bringing all three to the table. One fan, in particular, has carved out a niche as the Fighting Irish faithful’s unofficial king of playful trolling. If you’ve been following Notre Dame Football in recent seasons, you probably remember the viral moment when this same fan took a cheeky jab at legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Well, he’s back at it again—this time delivering another hilarious and perfectly timed jab that’s got social media buzzing, and fans across the college football landscape laughing and sharing once again.

It was during a Notre Dame fan event in South Bend over the weekend that the now-iconic supporter—known simply to some as “That Guy in the Green Blazer”—resurfaced with yet another witty and sharp-tongued message. This time, the joke was as brilliant as it was bold. Holding a homemade sign that read, “Saban Retired Just to Avoid Us—Smart Man,” the fan instantly reignited the lighthearted rivalry between the Irish faithful and one of college football’s most dominant dynasties.

Cameras quickly found him in the crowd, just like they did a few years ago when he first gained internet fame by holding up a sign after Notre Dame’s impressive win streak, reading, “Even Saban Checks Our Scores.” The moment went viral then, and this latest comeback has sparked a similar wildfire of reactions online. From ESPN’s social accounts to Reddit college football threads, everyone seems to have something to say about Notre Dame’s favorite sign-wielding superfan.

To many Irish fans, this kind of humor perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be part of the Notre Dame football community—passionate, confident, and never afraid to have a little fun while supporting the team. The sign also carries an undercurrent of bravado that speaks to the renewed energy surrounding head coach Marcus Freeman and the program he’s building in South Bend. With the Irish bringing in top-tier talent, including several high-profile 2026 commits, and continuing to develop under Freeman’s leadership, fans are starting to believe that this team is on the cusp of returning to national prominence.

Of course, the timing of the joke couldn’t have been better. Saban, who announced his retirement from Alabama earlier this year, leaves behind a legacy of six national championships in Tuscaloosa and one from his time at LSU. Many see his exit as the closing of a historic chapter in college football—one that often had Notre Dame fans on the outside looking in. But not anymore, says the green-blazered fan.

“He dominated the playoff era, no doubt about it,” the fan told a local news outlet after the sign made the rounds. “But I like our direction. And I like that maybe, just maybe, he saw what we’re building and figured it was time to call it a career. Who knows?” he laughed.

Though obviously tongue-in-cheek, the jab lands with an undertone of optimism that’s spreading through Notre Dame’s fanbase like wildfire. Marcus Freeman has elevated recruiting to heights the Irish haven’t seen in years. The 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most promising in school history, led by committed stars like linebacker Nick Reddish and quarterback Luke Millen. For the first time in a while, Notre Dame feels like a program not just competing for a New Year’s Six Bowl, but for a shot at the College Football Playoff—something the Irish haven’t done since the 2020 season.

And in a landscape that has drastically changed thanks to NIL, the transfer portal, and expanded playoff formats, Notre Dame’s traditional values and new-age approach are blending into something unique. Freeman’s leadership style is young, magnetic, and deeply rooted in the same kind of passion the fan in the green blazer brings to every game. They’re not just trying to win—they’re trying to build something lasting and meaningful.

That said, not everyone appreciated the light-hearted shot at Saban. Some Alabama fans online responded with predictably fiery defenses of their former coach’s legacy. One popular Crimson Tide fan account posted, “Let’s talk when you win six rings.” But even that kind of response only fuels the friendly fire that makes college football so engaging. The sport lives off of moments like this—where fandom, rivalry, and a bit of mischief all collide in the best way possible.

This fan’s return has also inspired other Notre Dame supporters to join in the fun. At a recent preseason tailgate event, several fans showed up with their own homemade signs, including “Freeman > Saban (In Our Hearts)” and “Tuscaloosa Can Keep Their Dynasty—Ours Is Loading.” What started as one man’s clever one-liner has turned into a mini movement of confidence and creativity that reflects the newfound swagger of the Notre Dame community.

And that swagger is translating beyond fan jokes and signage. With a stout defense anchored by rising stars and an offense that continues to improve, analysts are beginning to circle Notre Dame as a dark horse contender in 2025. Quarterback play is stabilizing, recruiting pipelines are thriving, and most importantly, the culture is resonating with players and fans alike. That’s the real story behind the joke—the feeling that Notre Dame isn’t just surviving in modern college football, but thriving in it.

The green-blazered fan may not be part of the coaching staff or wear pads on Saturdays, but in his own way, he’s become an embodiment of Notre Dame’s modern identity—rooted in tradition, fueled by passion, and always ready to bring the fun. Whether it’s trolling Nick Saban or leading a tailgate chant, his presence reminds everyone that football is more than Xs and Os. It’s about stories, spirit, and moments you never forget.

As the 2025 season approaches, Notre Dame fans have a lot to look forward to. From the loaded schedule to potential playoff implications, the spotlight is once again finding its way to South Bend. And you can bet when the Irish take the field, there will be that one fan, clad in green and grinning ear to ear, ready with the next punchline that college football didn’t know it needed.

So here’s to him—the Notre Dame fan who reminded us that sometimes, all it takes is a clever sign and a fearless grin to light up the sport we love. Whether it’s poking fun at Nick Saban or just celebrating his team in the loudest way possible, his antics have become a small but shining symbol of where Notre Dame Football is headed: bold, unafraid, and enjoying every second of the journey.