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Exciting Mark Ingram News Surfaces on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alec Musa | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 6:16 PM ET

On Monday, the National Football Foundation released the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, and for Alabama Crimson Tide fans, it reads like a walk through the program's early dynasty years. Among the newly eligible legends is none other than former Alabama star Mark Ingram, the first Heisman Trophy winner in Crimson Tide history.

A four-star recruit in the 2008 class, Ingram earned immediate playing time in Tuscaloosa. As a true freshman, he rushed for 728 yards and 12 touchdowns while sharing a backfield with Glen Coffee. But it was the 2009 season that became his breakout year and etched his name into Alabama lore forever.

With Coffee off to the NFL, Ingram took over the lead role and delivered a campaign for the ages: 1,658 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy, the first in school history. Alabama went undefeated and won the 2009 national championship, the first of six under Nick Saban.

Ingram was the face of that title run and a national icon by year's end, highlighted by becoming the cover athlete for the NCAA Football video game.

Ingram followed that legendary sophomore season with 875 yards and 13 scores in 2010 despite being limited to just 11 games. He finished his college career as one of the most decorated backs in program history and remains in the top three in both career rushing touchdowns and single-season rushing yards as of 2025.

Joining Ingram on the 2026 ballot is fellow Crimson Tide icon DeMeco Ryans.

Before becoming the head coach of the Houston Texans, Ryans was a tackling machine for the Tide in the early 2000s. In 2005, he was a consensus All-American and won the Lott Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in college football.

To be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, a player must receive at least 80% of the vote from the National Football Foundation's selection committee. The committee will announce the class next January.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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