Nick Saban’s First Heisman Star Mark Ingram II Joins 2025 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Class

When Mark Ingram II won the Heisman in 2009, he helped cement Alabama football’s rise under Nick Saban. By joining the 2025 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame class, he became the first player from the Saban era to receive this honor.

With this achievement, his legacy in Crimson Tide history reaches another level. Alabama Football recently congratulated their legendary running back after he was included in the prestigious honor roll, which featured eight other legendary names.

Mark Ingram II leads 2025 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Class as First Nick Saban-Era Player Inducted

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame lit up Birmingham with pride during its 57th annual induction ceremony. Held on May 3 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, the event brought together some of the biggest names in sports. Among the honored was Mark Ingram, who stood proudly beside fellow legends like Keith Butler, Otis Davis, and Mike Mitchell.

The former running back Ingram played for Alabama from 2008 to 2010 and was a massive part of the Crimson Tide’s 2009 national championship victory. In his standout sophomore season, Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He became the first Alabama player to win the award, helping Coach Nick Saban transform Alabama football into a true college football dynasty.

Ingram felt the most impact in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game against Texas. He rushed for 116 yards and scored two touchdowns on 22 carries, earning Offensive MVP honors in the Tide’s 37–21 win.

Alabama Football honored its legendary RB with a proud social media post. They tweeted, “Congratulations, @markingramII on being inducted into the @ASHOF tonight! 👏” Fans were quick to join in, congratulating their “King Gump” for his Hall of Fame honor.

Congratulations, @markingramII on being inducted into the @ASHOF tonight! 👏#RollTide pic.twitter.com/ebACZWXwZL

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) May 4, 2025

Drafted 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints 2011, Ingram turned his college success into a 12-year NFL career. He finished with 8,111 rushing yards, 2,125 receiving yards, and 75 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2014, 2017, and 2019.

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Most likely, his former coach, Nick Saban, is the second-happiest person in the world right now after seeing his student inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ingram is the first player Saban coached to receive this honor. Of course, the happiest person is Ingram himself.