Alabama Football Icons Mark Ingram and Cam Newton Nominated for 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class
Two of the most electrifying and accomplished players in college football history — Mark Ingram and Cam Newton — have been nominated for induction into the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame. Their inclusion on the ballot highlights not only their legendary college careers but also the lasting impact they had on the sport and on their respective programs in Alabama.
Mark Ingram, a former University of Alabama running back, made history in 2009 when he became the first Crimson Tide player ever to win the Heisman Trophy. His breakout season that year was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading Alabama to an undefeated season and its first national championship under head coach Nick Saban. Ingram’s powerful, yet graceful running style became symbolic of Alabama’s resurgence as a national powerhouse. His performances were marked by consistency, leadership, and a fierce competitive spirit that still resonates in Tuscaloosa to this day.
Cam Newton, meanwhile, left an unforgettable legacy at Auburn University in one of the most dominant single-season performances in college football history. In 2010, Newton transferred to Auburn and immediately set the college football world on fire. That year, he led the Tigers to a perfect 14-0 season and a BCS National Championship, earning the Heisman Trophy in the process. Newton accounted for over 4,300 yards of total offense and 51 total touchdowns, dazzling fans with his rare blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability. His poise under pressure and ability to take over games made him one of the most unstoppable forces the sport has ever seen.
Though they played for rival programs, Ingram and Newton share a deep connection through their excellence on the field and their influence off it. Both were central figures in Alabama’s storied football history, helping to define an era of dominance in the SEC and setting the stage for future success at their schools.
Their nominations to the Hall of Fame come as no surprise to fans, coaches, and analysts alike. Each left an enduring mark on the game, not just through stats and awards, but through moments that shaped college football history. Whether it was Ingram’s punishing runs in a title-clinching drive or Newton’s legendary comeback performances against rivals, both players delivered memories that remain iconic in the hearts of fans.
To be eligible for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, players must have earned First Team All-American honors and shown exemplary performance, integrity, and sportsmanship. Both Newton and Ingram meet those standards and then some.
If inducted, they will join an elite group of college football legends who have shaped the game’s rich tradition. For fans of Alabama football — both Crimson Tide and Tigers — the 2026 class could be especially meaningful, celebrating two all-time greats whose impact on the gridiron still echoes across the state and the nation.
