Trump said Alabama has changed college football forever, mentioning the likes of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant, quarterback Joe Namath, the four Heisman Trophy winners and Nick Saban. “This place is truly where legends are made,” Trump said. The 45th and 47th president praised Saban a few times as well as Kalen DeBoer indirectly.

Shortly after taking the stage at Coleman Coliseum on May 1, President Donald Trump talked Alabama football. After being introduced by former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, Trump began his remarks at the University of Alabama 's special commencement ceremony by asking students to remember where they were when Saban retired.