Nick Saban Claims He Invented “LANK,” Alabama’s 2023 Rally Cry

Alabama’s football “secret” appears to have been solved.

In 2023, the Crimson Tide used the rallying cry of “LANK,” recovering from an early-season slump to win the SEC title and make the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Jalen Milroe and cornerback Terrion Arnold were among those who helped popularize the slogan, which (supposedly) means “Let all the naysayers know.”

During Saturday’s episode of ESPN College GameDay, panelists discussed Arizona State, which is 8-2 this season and uses the slogan “Activate the Valley.” (Tempe is in the “Valley of the Sun.”) It reminded former Alabama coach Nick Saban – now a GameDay analyst – of the origins of “LANK,” which he claims to have invented.

“However, Arizona has a lot to offer. When your team buys into something, like coach (Kenny) Dillingham said, ‘Activate the Valley,’” Saban said. “It reminds me of our team last year. We were killed (in the media). Texas beat us, we barely beat South Florida. They were killing us. “The dynasty is over. Alabama is finished. They’ll never win another game.”

“And I just walked in and gave the usual pep talk, never thinking anything about it. I just said, “We have to let all the naysayers know.” Well, Terrion Arnold and Jalen Milroe are taking it and making it public. This became a rallying cry for our entire team. “Activate the Valley” is kind of the (Arizona State) rallying cry. You never know what teams are going to buy.”

Saban’s story sparked outrage among fellow GameDay panelists Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee, who recalled a memorable moment from last year’s show. Presenter Rece Davies was describing the rallying cry of “LANK” and seemed to imply that the “N” might stand for something else.

“Is there anything about Valley Activation that I should know?” — Davis asked calmly.

Here’s the video:

Alabama faces Oklahoma on Saturday night. Perhaps some enterprising reporter will ask Milroe if Saban’s story is true.