Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is introduced before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Panthers legend Cam Newton nominated for 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Cam Newton is the biggest superstar to ever play for the Carolina Panthers. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Newton was a three-time Pro Bowler and the 2015 NFL MVP during his 10 years in Carolina. Newton isn't the only dual threat quarterback to take the league by storm, but he was one of the few that dominated on the ground with sheer power.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Newton was a bulldozer who was nearly impossible to tackle one-on-one. That led to him racking up 5,628 yards rushing and 75 touchdowns in his career. That's on top of his 32,382 passing yards and 194 touchdown passes.

Anyone who watched Newton play at Auburn could tell he was special and shouldn't be shocked by his numbers. They'd also be less than surprised to see his name listed among the latest candidates for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Newton joins an impressive ballot that includes superstars such as Aaron Donald, Marvin Harrison, Dez Bryant, Ki-Jana Carter, Kellen Moore, Antwaan Randle El, and more.

College Football Hall of Fame 2026 ballot includes Colorado RB Eric Bieniemy, Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant, Penn State RB Ki-Jana Carter, Pitt DE Aaron Donald, Syracuse WR Marvin Harrison, Florida WR Percy Harvin, Alabama RB Mark Ingram, FSU K Sebastian Janikowski, Boise State QB…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) June 2, 2025

Newton started his collegiate career at Florida, where he backed up Tim Tebow. After two seasons, he transferred to Auburn, where he started just one season—albeit a special one.

The junior quarterback threw for 2,854 yards with 30 touchdown passes and just seven picks. He added another 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground, leading his team to a 14-0 record while winning the BCS National Championship as well as the 2010 Heisman.

It's impossible to tell the story of college football without discussing the dominance Newton displayed that year, which is why he should be voted in.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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