Manziel Calls for Saban to Become College Football Commissioner

Former Texas A&M QB says sport needs strong leadership to address NIL chaos and transfer portal issues

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel has called for ex-Alabama coach Nick Saban to become the commissioner of college football. Manziel believes Saban's deep understanding of the sport and ability to provide strong leadership is needed to address the current chaos surrounding NIL deals and the transfer portal. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko has also publicly advocated for the creation of a college football commissioner role to make decisions for the betterment of the entire sport, rather than just individual conferences.

Why it matters

College football has faced growing pains with the implementation of NIL rules and the increased player movement through the transfer portal. Without a centralized governing body, the sport has struggled to maintain consistency and address key issues. Manziel and Elko believe a commissioner with Saban's credibility and expertise could help bring order to the chaotic landscape.

The details

Manziel, the former Texas A&M quarterback, said on his 'Glory Daze' podcast that college football needs 'a Nick Saban' to serve as commissioner and provide strong leadership. Manziel cited concerns over shady agents, players chasing the 'next bag' through NIL deals, and the overall lack of direction in the sport. Meanwhile, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko directly called for the creation of a college football commissioner role during an interview, arguing the $1.2 billion industry needs a singular voice making decisions for the good of the entire sport, rather than just individual conferences.

  • Saban retired as Alabama's head coach in January 2024.
  • Manziel made his comments on the 'Glory Daze' podcast on Thursday.

The players

Nick Saban

Former head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who has been suggested as an ideal candidate to become the commissioner of college football due to his deep understanding of the sport and ability to provide strong leadership.

Johnny Manziel

Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Texas A&M, who has called for Saban to become the college football commissioner to address the current chaos surrounding NIL deals and the transfer portal.

Mike Elko

Current head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, who has publicly advocated for the creation of a college football commissioner role to make decisions for the betterment of the entire sport, rather than just individual conferences.

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What they’re saying

“We need a Nick Saban. We need somebody who knows the ins and outs of what's going on. To be a commissioner, to be a leader. The leadership board is perhaps the single biggest thing plaguing the sport. There doesn't seem to be any solution other than put this thing in the court, tie it up in individual states, bring it to the Supreme Court.”

— Johnny Manziel, Former Heisman Trophy winner (Glory Daze podcast)

“Put somebody in charge. It's a $1.2 billion industry with not a singular voice in charge of it making decisions for the betterment of college football. And I think until we get that, we're going to continue to flounder with some of those areas. What's best for the SEC isn't always what's best for the other conferences. What's best for the other conferences isn't always best for the SEC. At some point, we're going to have to have somebody who's capable of making rules regarding the betterment of college football, the enforcement of rules, and all of it. Until we get that, I think we're all at risk of this thing not lasting like we want it to last.”

— Mike Elko, Texas A&M Aggies head coach (On3)

What’s next

Saban has not publicly commented on the possibility of becoming the college football commissioner, and it remains to be seen if the sport's leadership will pursue creating such a role to address the current challenges.

The takeaway

The calls for a college football commissioner with Saban's expertise and credibility highlight the growing consensus that the sport needs stronger centralized leadership to navigate the complex issues surrounding NIL deals, the transfer portal, and the overall direction of the game. Without a singular voice making decisions for the betterment of the entire sport, college football risks continued chaos and instability.