Mark Ingram was formally inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month as the headliner in the Class of 2025. Ingram, the University of Alabama’s original Heisman Trophy winner in 2009, received a medal and memorial plaque with his portrait on it during the 57th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on May 3 from the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.

Ingram opened up about the honor during this week’s episode of The Triple Option podcast with host Rob Stone and former Florida and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.

“What an amazing event. Shoutout to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. It was an amazing event,” Ingram said. “I didn’t know what I was expecting going into it, but what a first-class event. Hundreds of people at the banquet. Everyone was super welcoming. When I tell you, if you want to be apart of a Hall of Fame, this is one you want to be apart of.”

Ingram then rattled off a list of other legendary Alabama Sports Hall of Fame recipients, including boxing legend Joe Louis, iconic Alabama football coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban, transformative Olympic track and field stars Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis, Atlanta Braves home run king Hank Aaron, multi-sport superstar and Auburn star Bo Jackson, NBA legend and Auburn alum Charles Barkley, former Auburn football coach John Heisman, former FSU coach Bobby Bowden, Clemson head coach and Alabama alum Dabo Swinney, as well as international soccer superstar Mia Hamm, just to name a few.

Suffice it to say, that’s some elite company and Ingram is clearly proud of the honor. In three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Ingram rushed for 3,261 yards and 70 touchdowns between 2008-10.

Along with winning Alabama’s first-ever Heisman Trophy and a BCS national championship in 2009, Ingram rushed for more than 8,000 yards and 65 touchdowns over 12 NFL seasons, the first eight with the New Orleans Saints, before retiring following the 2022 season. Ingram has since become a sports media figure as a member of FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff show.

Mark Ingram predicts Alabama to go over projected win total in 2025

In his first season leading the Alabama Crimson Tide, head coach Kalen DeBoer led the team to a 9-4 record, including their bowl loss. That left them short of making the College Football Playoff and looking to quickly improve going in Year Two.

Now, amid spring practice, Alabama is looking at a projected win total of 9.5 wins. That’s a number that former Alabama running back Mark Ingram fully expects his former team to go over in 2025.

“You talk about that at Florida State to pop off, week one,” Mark Ingram said. “We talked about the scheduling. We talked about the potential of scheduling these types of games to start the year and how it could really affect you. You lose that game, and you’re behind the eight-ball. Are you gonna get punished for it? Yes, you will. We saw that strength of schedule kind of didn’t get taken into place last year. So, that to start off the season is going to be a big test. At Florida State, we know the season they had. They’re gonna want to bounce back. Then you’ve got ULM. Then you’ve got Wisconsin… I’m going 3-0.”

After those three non-conference games to start the season, Ingram turned his attention to conference play. Last season, Alabama went 5-3 in SEC play and will be played against the same eight schools from last season in conference play. They’re just reversing the location where games are played. Still, Ingram is expecting an improved effort there.

“Then you’ve got at Georgia. That’s obviously going to be a dog fight,” Ingram said. “Then you go Vandy, dub. Missouri, dub. Tennessee, revenge game, dub. South Carolina, at South Carolina, dub. LSU, dub. Oklahoma, revenge game again, dub. Eastern Illinois, dub. There’s your 10.5 there. Auburn in the Iron Bowl, dub. That’s an 11-piece. That’s an 11-piece family meal.”

— On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this report.

College football season is getting closer, and there are officially 100 days left until the 2025 campaign gets underway. To celebrate, On3’s Clark Brooks broke down the Top 100 Players in College Football for the 2025 season.

He began by providing an overview of what you can expect to see by position in terms of the breakdown. It’s quite useful stuff.

“One of the first things that jump out for this crop is the number of talented QBs,” Brooks said. “This time last year, only 3 signal callers earned the honor of making our top25. Flash forward to today, and you’ll see 7. Concisely, there are less Offensive Executives and more dudes with bankable next-level traits, which is great for college football. All in all, a dozen passers crack the top100 – the third most of any position. 

“We are big believers in last year’s historic freshmen class. Of our top7 most impact players, 5 are rising sophomores, and a handful of others made the cut. At this stage, we feel very comfortable in their collective ability to dominate their positions and brighten their stars not only this year but next as well. 

“For lovers of quality line play, our list should generate plenty of smiles. Scores of known (and successful) commodities exist upfront on both sides of the ball as linemen compose 45% of today’s top100 ranker. Of course, some of that is due to other positions being riddled with uncertainty. That said, this year’s collection of talented big boys is too much to ignore. Offensive Tackle is particularly deep and well-represented with 16 slots, the most of any position.”

With 100 days left until kickoff, here’s the full breakdown of the Top 100 players in college football this coming year.

Clark Brooks: “No need to overthink this one. Smith was spectacular as a freshman and has all the makings of a future star. He has the size (6’3, 215), the speed (former Florida state champion in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles), and skill (did you not watch any college football last year?) to be the next phenom at the position and rule the sport for the next two years.

“While his counting stats speak for themselves, he also kicked ass in a very efficient manner. Half of his targets last year either moved the chains or resulted in points. Plus, no returning P4 receiver boasts a higher yards/route run (3.13).” 

Brooks: “An impact player in every sense of the word, Stewart has a knack for causing chaos and demoralizing opposing offensive linemen. At 6’6, 250 – he’s the only returning defensive lineman to sit inside the top4 in both havoc plays (62) and PFF pass rush grade (91.4).

“Freakish vibes. And, the rising sophomore is just getting started.”

Brooks: “Safety ordinarily isn’t considered the most impactful position. So seeing one inside the top3 in this list should scream how talented Downs is. He lines up all over – at centerfield, in the box, on the flank or nickel – wherever his team needs him.

“Fittingly, Downs can lock receivers down one-on-one, plug run lanes, and be a general nuisance to offensive play callers on any given snap. Moreover, each of the last two years – playing for two of college football’s biggest brands – he finished among PFF’s top10 highest-graded safeties.”

Brooks: “Like fellow sensational sophomore Dylan Stewart, Simmons is tenacious, active, and quite good at disrupting offenses. If logging 9 sacks wasn’t enough, his 17.6% Impact Rate – or percentage of snaps that result in a havoc play or defensive stop) is the best figure of any returning P4 defender.

“To do that as a first-year in the Land Where It Just Means More is special stuff.”

Brooks: “We at On3 are higher on him than the consensus, but he just delivers value all over. In my annual QB study, Leavitt was my favorite player to chart. He is a potent passer with lethal precision, minimizes mistakes masterfully, and displays nice feats of athleticism.

“Charles Powers comp’d him “Bo Nix-plus” recently (which might sound like a slight but Nix did end up figuring it out and becoming a first rounder) but I think he might have the potential to reach another echelon with his arm talent. Speaking of, his 59.7% Depth Adjusted Accuracy would have only trailed Cam Ward’s clip in last year’s QB Study.”

Brooks: “Williams is one of the most electric pass catchers around and should be the primary engine for Alabama’s offense. As a 17-year-old, he was the only SECer with at least 28 receptions to post a +10.0 yards/target and +9.0 yards after catch average.

“Even with the extra attention he’s bound to get from opponents, there’s a strong expectation that he will continue to amaze and provide game-altering splash plays for the Crimson Tide.”

Brooks: “Moore is a stud. He didn’t back down from any challenges last year and emerged as one of the position’s best players despite being a freshman – a noticeable trend on this list.

“Playing a high percentage of man coverage (61%), he was 1/23 high volume corners last year to allow a sub-5.2 yards/target and 0.75 yards/coverage snap. Plus, the stingy 6’2 Golden Domer sports the 3rd-best PFF coverage grade (86.5) among returners ahead of this fall.”

Brooks: “Sellers puts the spec.. Umm rec spec .. into spectacular. Few QBs are blessed with physical tools like his. And unlike some of these other aliens of that ilk, he has to date shown to be a prudent, accurate passer that avoids biffs and tossing the ball into harm’s way.

“To that point, he was the only SEC high volume starter last fall to finish inside the conference’s top2 in both Depth Adjusted Accuracy and Interceptable%. He is capable of scoring on any play with his arm or his legs – both in and out of structure. Fumbles are something to monitor, but his upside is premium.”

Brooks: “Hill is a brawny, aggressive force in the middle of the Longhorns’ defense. His meaty 6’3, 235 lb frame packs a pretty punch; and he’s a handful when he generates positive inertia.

“His steady presence has netted 77 stops, 10 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles the last couple of seasons.”

Brooks: “You might have heard about this kid. Well like many, we at On3 expect big things out of Manning 3.0. In previous years, labeling a Sarkisian QB as a Checkdown Charlie or Offensive Executive would be a given. But in this case, it would be downright reprehensible.

“Like his uncles, he has premier passing abilities. He can layer throws, hit targets all over the yard, and stay in attack mode from the pocket with excellent balance, timing, and anticipation. Like his grandpa, he has noticeable twitch and burst that do him well outside of structure and as a designed rusher. Yes, Manning ought to benefit from his environment. But he’s also talented enough to elevate Texas to planes it hasn’t been in a generation.”

Brooks: “Love is a big play waiting to happen. He ripped off a breakaway in half of Notre Dame’s games. His 7.1 yards/touch was top30-worthy and only 7 backs donned a better EPA/attempt.

“But while those highlights are fun, I am enamored with his hardnosed rushing style. Last year, Love was 1/5 RBs to rock a +4.3 YAC average and +38% Missed Tackle Forced Rate according to PFF.”

Brooks: “Lagway oozes juice. He was the only P4 QB to sport a double-digit PFF Big Time Throw%. He led the SEC in Splash Pass% (+35). And he finished with college football’s 2nd-best yards/dropback clip…as a freshman.

“Granted, the Samford game considerably boosted his bottom line. But even with that matchup omitted from his profile, both his 8.7 Y/A and 15.6% Explosive Pass% (+20) were top of the crop in my off-season QB study. Florida might be set up to fail due to another brutal schedule. But Lagway’s haymakers ought to give the Gators a fighter’s chance any given Saturday.”

Brooks: “Woods is an excellent matchup dictator for Clemson’s formidable defensive front. He has experience lining up everywhere from a nose-shade to flanking a TE, with standout returns.

“Among high-volume DTs, he’s the only returner ahead of this fall inside the top15 in Impact, Havoc, and Stop Rates. And for good measure, the versatile Woods has the 6th-best Pass Rush Win Rate against true sets per PFF.”

Brooks: “I really like what Nuss brings to the table. Of course he had a shot to be a first-rounder in this year’s draft, but he should squarely be in the QB1 discussion moving forward. His heat-seeking arm is often what makes folks rubberneck his way. But in my opinion, his best trait is his feet.

“Nuss consistently is able to quick step and reset vs pressure and dance all thru the pocket avoiding takedowns – a necessity in this day and day no matter what style of quarterback you are. And from where I sit, it didn’t hurt his case that he also finished above the group average in my off-season QB study in Explosive Pass%, Interceptable%, and Accuracy% beyond 10 yards downfield.”

Brooks: “Coming off a breakout season, Overton is starting to live up to his 5-star pedigree. Beefy and strong, he’s well-suited to blow up run concepts and control his gap.

“But he’s much more than a space eater. Overton snatched 66 impact plays and has a top20 True Pass Set Win Rate among returning edges.”

Brooks: “The OT1 debate in college football is wide open. There’s even an opinion Fano isn’t even the best tackle on his own team. But for right now, this hoss is our guy to headline the group.

“Fano is a certified bulldozer in the trenches and an undeniably visibly-pleasing run blocker. Plus, the rising junior is now an asset when Utah drops back. He disallowed pressure on 96.9% of his pass sets last year – a mark only bested by 6 returning P4 tackles.”

Brooks: “McCoy blossomed during his sophomore season. He’s fluid and fast with pretty good results shielding targets.

“His 11 overall forced incompletions are the most of any returning SEC DB. Specializing as a zone cover corner, only two returning CBs top his 87.5 PFF grade spot dropping.”

Brooks: “It wouldn’t shock me in the slightest if Parker is a top10 pick next April. Simply, he just produces.

“Including his gaudy 12 sacks, 7 TFLs and 5 forced fumbles, his 93 impact plays were the 8th-most among defenders last year. And among edges, he’s the only returner to rank top5 in both stops and havoc plays by volume.”

Brooks: “Tyson is a bonafide playmaker. In the five games before his injury, he averaged roughly 9 catches for 124 per contest while totaling 6 tuddies. But, he wasn’t just a target vacuum compiling stats.

“Tyson was resoundingly economical with his opportunities. Only Jeremiah Smith tops his 3.04 yards/route run amongst returning P4 pass catchers. Assuming he picks up where he left off, Leavitt’s favorite target should be one of the most prolific receivers in college football this fall.”

Brooks: “When healthy, Bain is a relentless ball of energy with a red-hot motor. Injury prevented him from leveling up during his sophomore campaign. But despite that momentary setback, his upside remains high.

“Even with last year’s “dip”, Bain topped positional averages across the board regarding Impact, Havoc, and Stop Rates. And over the last two years, he’s won a quarter of his pass rushes versus true pass sets.” 

Brooks: “Terrell has a good argument to be considered college football’s most well-rounded cornerback. Solid in both zone and man, he was consistently reliable preventing yardage.

“After all, he was one of the more active ball hawks last fall tallying 12 defended passes. And behind 19 stops, no returner at the position logged more total impact plays than his 39.”

Brooks: “He’s yet to put it all together and be a consistent downfield thrower, but Allar has the ingredients to be a very impactful QB this season; especially after how Penn State invested in upgrading its pass catchers. He is a big passer with a sturdy, durable frame built to do damage from the pocket.

“With a compact release, his downfield offerings hardly require any strain and he can deliver fastballs even without a firm foundation. Plus, he’s shown to be a trusty decision maker that avoids football boo boos. He has a very deliberate style of moving and doesn’t win many footraces. That said, defenders can bounce right off of him; and when he can build up momentum, the ante gets upped.”

Brooks: “Most nosetackles strive to occupy space and be glorified Frisian horses in the middle of the line. But “The Godfather’s” approach to the game aims to provide value in other ways; namely as a twitchy pass rusher and reliable run game stopper.

“Over the last three seasons he’s accumulated over 60 pressures and defensive stops. Though a health scare affected his off-season last summer, many are expecting him to once again appear on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List due to his weight room prowess.”

Brooks: “The former consensus top100 recruit and top10 cornerback of the 2023 class is one of the better shadow DBs ahead of this fall. He might not always strive to goad passers into risky throws or yearn to get his jersey dirty.

“But Harris doesn’t mind if his name gets called much – as long as he’s erasing his assignment. And it certainly helps his case knowing he is 1/4 returning corners with a +75.0 PFF coverage grade in both man and zone.”

Brooks: “This time last year, Beck was the consensus QB1 with hardly any blemishes on his passing profile. Obviously, things changed and Beck’s 2024 football season didn’t go as planned. His general accuracy soured, he logged more interceptables, he continued to stink when forced to pass off his mark, and suffered a surgery-requiring injury on his throwing arm. Yet, I remain optimistic he can regain his old form as one of the game’s soundest distributors within structure.

“Not only did he remain a standout midrange passer – one of his better selling points ahead of last season – but he logged my QB study’s lowest Uncatchable Pass Rate. Plus, he probably won’t suffer from the same level of backbreaking butterfingers for the 2nd-straight year. Not only were Beck’s 665 “drop yards” the most in the SEC by 130, it was the highest total I have charted within the conference since 2018. Practically a sixth of his throws +10 yards past the line of scrimmage were dropped.”

26. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
27. EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
28. OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
29. iOL Jake Slaughter, Florida
30. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
31. S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
32. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
33. QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
34. RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
35. CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
36. WR Cam Coleman, Auburn
37. LB Whit Weeks, LSU
38. EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana
39. S Rod Moore, Michigan
40. LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
41. iOL Parker Brailsford, Alabama
42. WR Makai Lemon, USC
43. CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
44. RB Isaac Brown, Louisville
45. WR Ryan Wingo, Texas
46. LB Austin Romaine, Kansas State
47. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
48. WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
49. EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
50. EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan

51. iOL Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
52. INT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
53. INT Caleb Banks, Florida
54. OT Brian Parker II, Duke
55. OT Carter Smith, Indiana
56. S Kamari Ramsey, USC
57. iOL Logan Jones, Iowa
58. OT Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
59. RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
60. iOL Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
61. OT Blake Miller, Clemson
62. EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
63. S Terry Moore, Duke
64. TE Justin Joly, NC State
65. QB John Mateer, Oklahoma
66. RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon
67. OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa
68. CB Xavier Scott, Illinois
69. OT Austin Barber, Florida
70. OT Isaiah World, Oregon
71. S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
72. S Koi Perich, Minnesota
73. WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
74. EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
75. EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida

76. CB Jontez Williams, Iowa State
77. WR Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn
78. LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
79. LB Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh
80. INT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
81. WR Eugene Wilson III, Florida
82. INT Aaron Graves, Iowa
83. QB Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
84. iOL Drew Evans, Indiana
85. INT Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
86. OT Kage Casey, Boise State
87. EDGE Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
88. QB Josh Hoover, TCU
89. QB Taylen Green, Arkansas
90. OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
91. LB CJ Allen, Georgia
92. iOL Cayden Green, Missouri
93. S Michael Taaffe, Texas
94. OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
95. OT Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame
96. INT Christen Miller, Georgia
97. OT Jordan Seaton, Colorado
98. RB Darius Taylor, Minnesota
99. RB Jahiem White, West Virginia
100. RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State