NCAA announced today that legendary former head coach Nick Saban and the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide national championship team will be the recipients of the newly minted “Legacy of Excellence” Medal in….

 The NCAA announced today that legendary former head coach Nick Saban and the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide national championship team will be the inaugural recipients of the newly minted “Legacy of Excellence” Medal, an honor designed to recognize programs and individuals who fundamentally shaped the modern era of college football.

The award will be formally presented during a special ceremony at the upcoming NCAA Honors Gala, where Saban and members of the 2009 Crimson Tide will be celebrated for redefining championship standards both on and off the field. According to the NCAA, the medal recognizes “sustained excellence, competitive integrity, and a lasting impact on the sport.”

Saban’s 2009 team marked a turning point not only for Alabama football, but for college football as a whole. Finishing the season 14–0, the Crimson Tide dominated opponents with a physical, disciplined style that became the blueprint for future championship teams. Their victory over Texas in the BCS National Championship Game cemented Alabama’s return to national prominence and launched one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history.

Beyond the wins and trophies, NCAA officials highlighted the cultural impact of the 2009 squad. That team set new benchmarks for player development, academic accountability, and preparation, values that became synonymous with the “Process” Saban famously preached throughout his career. Many players from that roster went on to lengthy NFL careers, further extending the team’s influence.

In a statement released by the university, Saban expressed gratitude for the recognition, crediting his players and staff. “This honor belongs to the young men who bought into something bigger than themselves,” Saban said. “The 2009 team laid the foundation for everything that followed, and I’m incredibly proud of what they accomplished together.”

The Legacy of Excellence Medal is expected to be awarded annually, with the NCAA indicating that future recipients will be selected based on historical significance and transformative impact. By choosing Nick Saban and the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide as its first honorees, the NCAA made a clear statement: few teams and coaches have left a deeper imprint on the game.