Mark Ingram beats out 39 other former Alabama stars to join Bear Bryant and Ozzie Newsome in CFB history

Ingram burst onto the scene in Tuscaloosa, racking up 728 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2008, earning a place on the SEC All-Freshman Team and showcasing his potential as a game-changing force in Alabama’s backfield.

In 2009, Ingram elevated his game to historic levels, amassing 1,658 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns while leading Alabama to a perfect 14–0 record and a BCS National Championship win against Texas. His stellar season culminated in him becoming the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award.

Despite a knee injury against Mississippi State in 2010, Ingram still delivered 875 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns during his junior year. His leadership and output kept Alabama among the nation’s top teams, and he chose to enter the NFL Draft after the season.

Per the College Football Hall of Fame's website, players become eligible for consideration 10 full seasons after they last played college football. Once players are included on the ballot, they do not need to be re-nominated but need to go through the voting process every year to make it back to the ballot.

Chris Samuels did not make the cut, joining 39 other Tide players who were unable to qualify. Another 49 Alabama alumni are entering eligibility but are not in the specific window for election in yet.