Mark Ingram II has gained the much-deserved honor of being named to the College Football Hall of Fame. In the 2026 Hall of Fame class, Ingram became the 28th Alabama Football honoree. He will officially accept the award at next December's induction ceremony.
Responding to the career milestone, Ingram said, "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 is the first Nick Saban-coached Alabama football player to enter the Hall of Fame. He will not be the last.
The former Heisman winner was the bellcow of the Crimson Tide's 2009 offense. He was the SEC's leading rusher with 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning him the SEC Player of the Year award. Many Alabama football fans cherish the memory of Ingram's game against South Carolina in the 2009 season. Out of a wildcat formation, Ingram rushed for 246 yards against the Gamecocks, leading Alabama to a 20-6 win. In his three-season Alabama career, running and receiving, Ingram produced 3,931 yards and 46 touchdowns.
After entering the sports broadcasting field, Ingram spoke about Nick Saban, "He always showed me love. He’s always pushed me to be the best I could be both on and off the field." Saban's relationship with the family goes back to Mark Ingram Sr., when Saban coached at Michigan State.
Alabama Football Gump Status
There is, however, a potential problem brewing for Ingram and Crimson Tide fans. Though not soon, but around a decade from now, he may lose his 'Gump' status. Mark Ingram III is a couple of months shy of his eighth birthday. He wants to be a football player like his dad, but maybe not for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The youngster already has an offer from Texas Tech, and his dad has expressed enthusiasm for the Red Raiders.
Alabama football fans will never forget Mark Ingram's contribution to the 2009 National Championship. But years from now, if Alabama offers his son and the son chooses elsewhere, some Alabama fans will be sorely disappointed.
Note: Player stats provided by Sports Reference