Mark Ingram, the legendary running back from the Alabama Crimson Tide and a prominent figure on FOX”s “Big Noon Kickoff,” has been announced as a member of the College Football Hall of Fame”s Class of 2026. This prestigious honor solidifies Ingram”s legacy as one of the most formidable running backs in Alabama”s history.
The National Football Foundation revealed the news on Wednesday, including Ingram among 21 inductees. Ingram took to social media to express his gratitude, stating, “All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the platform, the ability, and the strength to walk this journey. Nothing I”ve accomplished is possible without Him. Thankful for my family, teammates, coaches, Alabama, and everyone who believed in me along the way. This honor represents far more than just me — it”s everyone who has impacted my life and my journey. This is for us.”
Ingram played for Alabama from 2008 to 2010. His standout season came in 2009 when he rushed for 1,658 yards and scored 17 touchdowns, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in both categories. This remarkable performance earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Ingram also contributed significantly in the passing game, amassing 32 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns during the 2009 season, culminating in Alabama”s victory over Texas in the BCS Championship. In that championship game, Ingram rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Throughout his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Ingram averaged 1,087 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns annually, boasting an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. He ranks tied for second in Alabama”s history with 42 rushing touchdowns and seventh with a total of 3,261 rushing yards.
Following his college career, Ingram was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 28th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He dedicated the first eight years of his NFL career to the Saints before spending two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Ingram returned to the Saints for the 2021 season, after a brief period with the Houston Texans, ultimately concluding his career with New Orleans after the 2022 season.
Ingram is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in three different seasons, while scoring double-digit rushing touchdowns in two of those seasons. He joined the cast of FOX”s “Big Noon Kickoff” for the 2023 college football season, following in the footsteps of fellow inductee Urban Meyer, who was honored last year.
