The former Alabama coach and seven-time national champion learned he would enter the College Football Hall of Fame before Friday’s Cotton Bowl Classic kicked off. Saban received the news from the ESPN College GameDay crew, which was at AT&T Stadium for the College Football Playoff showdown between Texas and Ohio State.

Legendary former coach Nick Saban was surprised with the news of his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame on Friday. The announcement came during Saban's appearance on the ESPN pregame show leading up to the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal between Texas and Ohio State.

Both teams have performed exceptionally well throughout the season and have been among the favorites to win the national championship trophy for most of the year. According to ESPN BET, Ohio State is a six-point favorite in this matchup. However, Texas has a 50.5% chance of winning, according to ESPN's Matchup Predictor.