Memphis football has a believer in Nick Saban.

The former Alabama coach retired after the 2023 season and is now a panelist on ESPN's "College GameDay." The first show of the season was Saturday morning in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of the game between Florida State and Georgia Tech.

While the panel was talking about potential College Football Playoff teams, Saban chimed in.

"I think Memphis State has a chance to move in there," he said.

While the university's name did change from Memphis State to the University of Memphis in 1994, fans appreciated the sentiment. It got the attention of Isaac Bruce, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who played for the Tigers from 1992-1993.

Saban isn't the only one touting Memphis as a potential playoff team. The Tigers have been picked among the top teams in the Group of Five entering the 2024 season, and one of those teams will have a guaranteed spot in the expanded playoff.

While Memphis doesn't kick off its season until Aug. 31 against North Alabama, there will be plenty for Tigers fans to pay attention to this week. Memphis will meet Florida State on Sept. 14, and North Alabama kicks off its season on Saturday against Southeast Missouri State.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Nick Saban says 'Memphis State' has College Football Playoff potential