Bryce Young‘s transition to the NFL has been rocky, but signs of progress are beginning to emerge.
Despite those struggles, his former coach remains confident in his ability to succeed at the highest level.
Nick Saban appeared on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday and addressed the Carolina Panthers‘ quarterback’s journey through the league.
The conversation shifted to the quarterback’s development after McAfee brought up his name during a discussion about former Alabama players.
Saban offered a detailed assessment of what Young brings to the position and why his early NFL experience hasn’t matched expectations set during his college career.
“Bryce has the right psychological disposition to be successful,” Saban said. “You know Bryce is a point guard playing quarterback. He can make all the throws, he can make all the plays, he’s athletic, but he’s got to have some decent players around him. I think when he first got to Carolina, he didn’t have a very good supporting cast around him, which I think was a bit of a problem. I think now they’ve gotten some better weapons on offense, and he can take advantage of those things.”
"Bryce Young has the right psychological disposition to be successful..
He can make all the throws and all the plays..
He plays with emotion but he's not emotional"
Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cQIJwPJFCO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 17, 2025
The former Alabama standout has faced significant challenges during his first three professional seasons, posting a 9-25 record as a starter with 6,430 passing yards and a 36-to-24 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Saban praised Young’s emotional control and consistency, noting he never allows frustration to affect his preparation.
That disciplined approach has kept Young steady through difficult stretches, even when results didn’t follow.
His ability to stay composed under pressure reflects the mentality that made him successful at Alabama and continues to serve him now.
Young has shown flashes of the precision and field awareness that defined his college career.
With improved offensive talent around him in Carolina, the former Crimson Tide quarterback has opportunities to build on those moments and prove his early struggles were circumstantial rather than indicative of his long-term potential.
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