Nick Saban Shares Funny Donald Trump Story from Tide’s White House Visit

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban introduced President Donald Trump during the May 2025 commencement speech at the University of Alabama. Saban decided to share a story from the last time the Crimson Tide met the president following the Tide's 26-23 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Get our free mobile app

Trump invited Saban to the Oval Office, and Saban took three captains with him.

“The president is really nice to everybody, and he’s got this very big, good-looking auspicious box on his desk that has a red button on top,” Saban said. “One of the players said, ‘Is that what you launch the missiles with?’ He said, ‘Well, push it and find out.’ The player said, ‘No, I don’t want to do that.’ He says, ”No, go ahead. Go ahead. Push it, see what happens, find out.’"

Former Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans worked up the courage. He pushed the button.

Did it result in a massive military movement? Did Evans accidentally declare war on another country?

“Some lady came in with a Coke on a tray,” Saban said, laughing.

Trump was in Tuscaloosa on Thursday to deliver the commencement speech for the 2025 graduating class. Saban, who won six national championships at Alabama, introduced the president.

“I really want to express my appreciation to President Trump for choosing the University of Alabama for his commencement address,” Saban said, “and making time to speak to our graduates.”

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.