Mark Ingram Returns to Alabama on a 2-Year Deal, Bringing Veteran Leadership and Power to the Lineup.
The Alabama Crimson Tide must be skeptical now that Kalen DeBoer has replaced its old head coach and legend, Nick Saban. But DeBoer would not miss a beat to woo the players. And here, he comes up with one magical move. In Saban’s absence, he ensured the spirits were high in Tuscaloosa. Because of this, Jalen Milroe and Co. got lucky to bag the preseason magic potion sprinkled by former RB Mark Ingram II.
But what made the player so special? After all, he had the Nick Saban touch and had been in the Crimson Tide between 2008-2010. This was a significant lift for DeBoer’s tribe as its preseason rankings took a nosedive.
Kudos to DeBoer. While recently stepping into Saban’s shoes, he tries every way to fill up the GOAT’s position. Even when he couldn’t, the new Alabama HC came up with the best of the best plans. With less than a month remaining for the 2024 season, DeBoer plots to pump up the team’s cheer-o-meter. And what’s better than some Saban touch to jazz up the squad’s vibes? The new Alabama HC invited RB Ingram II to light a fire in the team. As found in DeBoer’s tweet, the HC wrote, “Appreciate you dropping in
The National Football Foundation announced that former Alabama football coach Nick Saban will be on the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, just five months after his surprise retirement from coaching.
Joining Saban in representing the Crimson Tide on the ballot are Mark Ingram II and Chris Samuels. Saban was one of nine coaches to make the ballot while Ingram and Samuels were two of the 77 players to make the cut.
These three look to join four former Alabama coaches and 22 former players in the College Football Hall of Fame located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Nick Saban, head coach (2007-2023)
The legacy that Saban left in Tuscaloosa is virtually unheard of in modern college football. Winning six national championships and nine SEC championships while at Alabama, he has gone down as one of the best coaches in the history of the sport. Saban was named AP Coach of the Year twice during his career and ended with a total of 292 wins, which ranks sixth in college football history.
Mark Ingram, running back (2008-2010)
In 2009, Ingram became Alabama’s first Heisman trophy winner, and he has since been named one of the best players in Alabama football history. He earned All-American, All-SEC and co-SEC Player of the Year honors during his time in Tuscaloosa and also led the Crimson Tide to a national championship victory in 2009.
Ingram was drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 2011 and was selected to three Pro Bowls during his time in the NFL. He retired from football in July 2023 to pursue a career in broadcasting.
Chris Samuels, offensive lineman (1996-1999)
Samuels was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s 1999 SEC title and earned the Outland Trophy, which is given to the nation’s best interior lineman. He also earned All-American honors and was a first-team SEC selection twice during his time at Alabama.
Samuels was chosen with the third pick in the 2000 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders, known formerly as the Washington Redskins, where he played for nine seasons. He was selected to six Pro Bowls while in Washington and has his name in the franchise’s Ring of Fame.
The finalized list of coaches and players that have been voted into the College Football Hall of Fame will be officially announced in early 2025 with other details still to be determined.
