Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo is Nick Saban’s favorite college football player.

Saban, who compiled a 297-71-1 record in 28 seasons as a college football coach, made the statement on national television Saturday morning, just hours before ASU and Arizona played the annual Territorial Cup game in Tucson.

“You know, that Cam Skattebo guy has to be my favorite player in college football,” Saban said during the ESPN broadcast College game day. “This guy is tough and tough. I mean, I just love a great competitor. He is everything.”

Skattebo enters Saturday’s game with 1,221 yards rushing on 226 carries and 14 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 460 yards and two touchdowns. He is ranked No. 2 in the nation in all-purpose yards.

Nick Saban 🤝 #Heism4n #ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/ByKDWFOisT

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 30, 2024

However, Skattebo was not named one of the three finalists for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, given to the year’s best running back. The finalists are Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) and Kaleb Johnson (Iowa).

“This is one of the best running back years I’ve ever been a part of,” ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said during an appearance on Bickley & Marotta this week. “Even at our conference, let alone at the national level. But I definitely feel like Cam is a part of that group and Cam is one of the best defenders in the country. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

After failing to appear in the ESPN Heisman Trophy Watch midseason poll, Skattebo is now ranked fifth.

According to the latest poll: “The 5-foot-10, 220-pound player plays like a battering ram, making him one of the toughest players in college football to beat.”