How  Nick Saban thinks of the 2024 podcast concept proposed by Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe

How  Nick Saban thinks of the 2024 podcast concept proposed by Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe

For Alabama football, this is a fresh day. Not only did two first-year students speak with reporters on Friday, but they also have a podcast.

From the outside, Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe’s hosting of New Wave represents a complete tactical change from Nick Saban’s intention to keep his younger players behind closed doors. The show began several years ago, and in January, when Williams and Mbakwe participated in the Under Armour All-America game, the concept began to take shape.

We were in front of cameras a lot,” Mbakwe said. “And we just both said we need to start a podcast, so that’s just kind of how it came about.”

Williams claims that even though the podcast appears to go against Saban’s principles, the former coach gave it his OK. The concept was brought up to Saban by the young cornerback and receiver throughout their recruitment process.

Williams remarked, “He gave us just enough to say, ‘Yeah, that’s a good idea.'” “Because he announced that a new (NIL) center would be established.” That happened during our hiring procedure the previous year. We planned to conduct it in a dorm, and everyone was incredibly supportive. Alabama has done a fantastic job of enabling us to freely express ourselves and share it on a public forum.

There have been two episodes of the show released thus far. Every other week, the two record a new episode.

Alabama general manager Courtney Morgan was their first visitor. Mbakwe claims that the two have also discussed appearances with wide receiver Jermaine Burton, a former member of the Crimson Tide and current member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The youthful corner added that he and Williams would adore having Saban appear on the program himself at some point.

Man, hopefully sooner rather than later, Mbakwe remarked. “There’s a chance we get coach Saban because everybody wants him there.”

Williams has already established himself as one of Alabama’s offensive stars. Mbakwe is gradually making his way into the defensive lineup at cornerback, replacing Cole Adams as the Tide’s primary punt returner.