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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Which Alabama football players are 2026 College Football Hall of Fame nominees?
The 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class could have a few more Alabama football connections. The National Football Foundation announced 79 players and nine coaches who are in the running for the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame. The announcement for the class will be made in early 2026. Advertisement Here's a look at the players nominated who have Alabama football connections: Mark Ingram: Alabama football running back Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide former running back Mark Ingram on the field prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Mark Ingram was a unanimous first-team All-American and Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner. The 2009 SEC Offensive Player of the Year had 3,261 rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns in three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Ingram was the No. 28 overall pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 NFL draft. DeMeco Ryans: Alabama football linebacker Oct. 22, 2005; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker DeMeco Ryans (35) celebrates the game ending interception in the final seconds against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Tennessee 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2005 John David Mercer DeMeco Ryans was a unanimous first-team All-American and won the Lott IMPACT Trophy. The 2005 SEC Defensive Player of the Year had 76 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and 5 sacks for the Crimson Tide before being the No. 33 overall pick of the Houston Texans in the 2006 NFL draft. Dennis Franchione: Alabama football coach 27 Dec 2001 : Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione presents the trophy during post-game celebration of the Independence Bowl game against Iowa State at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. Alabama won 14-13. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit:A two-time NAIA Coach of the Year, Dennis Franchione finished with a 17-8 record as the head coach at Alabama in 2001-02. He led the Crimson Tide to an Independence Bowl win in 2001. Franchione also had head coaching stops at TCU, Texas A&M and Texas State. Advertisement Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football players nominated for 2026 College Football Hall of Fame
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two Alabama football legends on College Football Hall of Fame ballot for 2026
Two Alabama football legends on College Football Hall of Fame ballot for 2026 A pair of Alabama football legends are under consideration for the College Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class. On Monday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the names of 79 former players and coaches who are under consideration for Hall of Fame induction. Two former Crimson Tide players are eligible for induction in the 2026 class: linebacker DeMeco Ryans and Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner, running back Mark Ingram. Mark Ingram (2008-10) Ingram was a huge contributor for Alabama's first national championship team in 17 years -- and the Crimson Tide's first under Nick Saban -- in 2009. The Flint, Michigan, high school star rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns en route to both the Heisman Trophy and SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. In that year's SEC Championship Game against Florida, Ingram ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns to go with a 69-yard catch-and-run as the Crimson Tide dethroned the defending national champions and quarterback Tim Tebow. A month later, Ingram was the offensive MVP in the Tide's 37-21 BCS Championship Game win over Texas at the Rose Bowl, going for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He finished his career at Alabama with 3,261 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns and single-handedly took over such games as the Crimson Tide's 20-6 win over South Carolina in 2009 when the offense had fallen into a midseason rut. Ingram rushed for 246 yards (10.3 AVG) -- primarily out of the Wildcat -- against Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks on Oct. 17 as Alabama improved to 7-0. DeMeco Ryans (2002-05) Ryans was a star linebacker at Alabama for one season under Dennis Franchione and three seasons under Mike Shula. He won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in his senior season in 2005 as part of a 10-win Alabama team that defeated Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl and had thrilling regular-season wins over Tennessee and Florida. That same year, Ryans was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and still holds the Alabama single-game record for tackles with 25. In his final season in Tuscaloosa, Ryans led defensive coordinator Joe Kines' unit with 76 tackles (9.5 for loss) and had 3.5 sacks, plus an interception and a forced fumble. Controversial former Alabama head coach under consideration for College Football Hall of Fame Speaking of Franchione, the two-year former Crimson Tide coach is one of nine former college football coaches on the ballot for Hall of Fame induction in 2026. Franchione led Alabama to a 7-5 season in his first year in 2001, including a 31-7 upset win over Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in that year's Iron Bowl. Alabama went 10-3 in Franchione's next season in 2002 before he bolted for the Texas A&M job. The announcement for the Hall of Fame class will be made in early 2026. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns Legendary Cornerback Reveals Excitement for Draft Picks
The Cleveland Browns completed what we think at least for now, appears to be a successful 2025 draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, last week. The seven picks included top defensive prospect Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger as well as a pair of running backs in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. Advertisement But it's the new running back tandem that has one former Browns defender excited. Former Cleveland cornerback Hanford Dixon showed his honest excitement during an episode of his podcast, The Hanford Dixon Show. 'I like those two running backs," Dixon said. "I mean, I really do. I really like those two guys because watching the tape on those two guys, they're very productive backs, and they can run away from you, and they also can run through you." There is reason for excitement. Judkins had 179 forced missed tackles since 2022. That's the fourth most in the FBS during that time. Last year, the Browns tied for 16th in the league in yards after first contact per carry at 1.69. Advertisement The Browns added Sampson on Day 3. He was the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Third-Team All-American. He led the SEC with 1,491 yards rushing, which is a Tennessee single-season record. Sampson's speed is thought to complement Judkins' physical style of play in a "running back by committee" situation. With the future of Nick Chubb up in question, the Browns' running back room could be in good shape for a while. Related: NFL Analyst Uses Silly Word to Describe Browns Draft Related: Browns Draft Pick Draws Historic NFL Comparison
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How DeSean Bishop bet on himself from Tennessee football walk-on to scholarship
DeSean Bishop was given a Tennessee football scholarship two years after joining the Vols as a walk-on running back and under-recruited Knoxville high school star. He could've accepted a scholarship at mid-major schools when he came out of nearby Karns High as a two-time Mr. Football winner. Instead, he bet on himself and came to UT with no promise of ever receiving a scholarship. Advertisement In January, Bishop got the good news that he was going on scholarship. But he talked candidly about it for the first time on Wednesday. 'It was a little bit of relief, that the hard work had paid off,' Bishop said. 'I'm blessed. A lot of kids in Knoxville would love to have the opportunity that I have. Not a lot of people from my city get this opportunity.' Bishop earned his scholarship by steadily climbing the depth chart over the past two seasons. Now he's competing with Peyton Lewis and Duke transfer Star Thomas for a starting job in the 2025 season. 'I ain't gonna lie. I can't even say that I did (expect to be competing to start as a redshirt sophomore),' Bishop said. 'That was especially (true) because of being hurt (in 2023 and 2024) and you've got a lot of good guys in front of you – guys with more stars (in recruit ratings) and stuff like that. Advertisement 'But I just trusted in God, and it deepened my faith. If he didn't think I could handle what's ahead of me this year, then he wouldn't have put me in it.' DeSean Bishop pushed higher-rated backs into transfer portal Bishop took a redshirt in 2023 after suffering a preseason injury. In 2024, he outplayed scholarship players with higher recruit ratings to earn the backup spot behind Dylan Sampson, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Bishop rushed for 455 yards and three TDs, missing three games due to injury. And Lewis rushed for 339 yards and three TDs. Their ascension, in part, pushed running backs Cam Seldon and Khalifa Keith into the transfer portal. Advertisement With UT's Orange and White Spring Game on Saturday, it appears Bishop and Lewis are the co-starters at running back. Thomas is in the mix after transferring to UT in January and learning the finer points of the playbook in spring practice. Bishop earned his scholarship, but he intends to keep his underdog edge. 'I know there's an opportunity to be that guy,' Bishop said. 'I feel like I'm embracing that. I feel like I've worked to deserve that spot, but I'm not going to get complacent. I'm living in the moment, and I know I'll reap the benefits when the season comes around.' Running backs coach De'Rail Sims said Bishop is playing like the record-breaking back he was in high school but still working like a walk-on. Advertisement 'You don't just have that production (in high school) if you're not a really good player,' Sims said. 'He always has that chip on his shoulder. He always has a point to prove. But he carries himself where he's not arrogant. He has confidence, but he's still humble.' Bishop ignored advice, choosing Tennessee over scholarships elsewhere Bishop was committed to Coastal Carolina for his entire 2022 senior season. He hoped for a scholarship offer from a Power Four conference school that never came. Bishop had eye-popping stats. He rushed for 8,347 yards and 102 touchdowns in his career at Karns. That ranked second and third, respectively, in Tennessee high school history. Advertisement But college coaches questioned his skill, speed and long-term potential. He was rated a three-star recruit and the No. 36 player in the state of Tennessee by 247Sports Composite. Two weeks before signing day, he decommitted from Coastal Carolina and ultimately announced he'd enroll at Tennessee as a preferred walk-on. 'I feel like people were trying to persuade me to go to Coastal (Carolina) and stay there,' Bishop said. 'But there was something in me that always thought I was bigger than that, and that's not taking anything away from Coastal. But I've always thought I could play at this level. 'And I feel like I've been doubted ever since I came here. And people are still doubting me, but it doesn't really bother me.' Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (25) during a game between Tennessee and Chattanooga, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. 'Now it's time to perform' Granted, Tennessee coaches knew Bishop wasn't a typical walk-on. And, presumably, he received some financial assistance for his name, image and likeness from a collective associated with UT athletes. Advertisement But a scholarship changes Bishop's status on the roster, even if he doesn't dwell on it. 'Obviously, it helps financially. Scholarship or not, I've been proving myself every day and I feel like I've got to earn it every day,' Bishop said. 'I keep remembering (as motivation), 'They just now put you on (scholarship).' 'So I've got to keep going. It's the next step. I earned a scholarship, now it's time to perform.' Where Bishop factors into Tennessee backfield in 2025 Last season, Tennessee featured Sampson, who broke the program's single-season rushing record. Bishop and Lewis took turns as Sampson's sidekick, but rarely in the same game. Advertisement However, the backfield may expand from a duo to a trio in the 2025 season. Bishop and Lewis were already in a close competition. Thomas is a veteran running back and an all-purpose producer with more than 2,500 yards from scrimmage and 22 TDs in his Division I college career, which spans from New Mexico State to Duke. DAVID SANDERS: Why 5-star freshman's success matters to Vols, Glen Elarbee Freshman running backs Daune Morris and Justin Baker also debuted in spring practice as early enrollees. That backfield battle will play out in the fall. But Bishop undoubtedly will be in the mix, which is quite a feat for a former walk-on. Advertisement 'I look around, and it's just crazy that I'm here with an opportunity to start for the Tennessee Volunteers (in) my home city,' Bishop said. 'In high school, I never thought of this at all. I never would think that it would turn out this way, so I'm very blessed to be where I'm at now.' Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How DeSean Bishop went from Tennessee football walk-on to scholarship
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Projecting Tennessee football depth chart for 2025 season after spring transfer portal
The 2025 Tennessee football roster appears to be set or very close to completion. UT can still add players from the spring transfer portal, and it may snag one more. But there are few quality players available, and the portal is closed to new ones entering it. Advertisement The Vols have lost six players during the spring portal and added three. There are 79 scholarship players projected for the 2025 roster, including only nine scholarship seniors. The 2024 team had 15 scholarship seniors, not including walk-on starters Will Brooks and Matthew Salansky. That means there's plenty of young, inexperienced players on the 2025 roster, which makes position competitions interesting. Here is a projected depth chart as the spring portal activity slows. Tennessee football 2025 projected depth chart Quarterbacks Joey Aguilar or Jake Merklinger | George MacIntyre This is a legitimate competition. Merklinger has steadily progressed to be a quality backup, which was supposed to be his role until Nico Iamaleava bolted to UCLA. His readiness to start is uncertain, which is why UT sought established starters in the portal. Advertisement Aguilar, a UCLA transfer, was a star player at Appalachian State. But he was sometimes too careless in terms of interceptions. He could be effective at the SEC level or over his head. Time will tell. First, he must learn the offense quickly. MacIntyre has a bright future. But if he's needed as a 2025 starter, things have gone south for Aguilar and Merklinger. JOEY AGUILAR Inside 100-day crash course to become Tennessee QB Running backs Peyton Lewis or DeSean Bishop | Star Thomas Neither Lewis nor Bishop can fill the shoes of Dylan Sampson, the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. But coach Josh Heupel's offense always produces in the ground game, and this duo could be up to the task. Advertisement However, a third running back must pan out – either Thomas, a Duke transfer, or a freshman – for this backfield to be a strength rather than a weakness. Wide receivers Mike Matthews | Travis Smith Braylon Staley | Amari Jefferson | Joakim Dodson Chris Brazzell | Radarious Jackson UT wasn't aggressive enough in the winter transfer portal, and it has struck out so far in trying to land a receiver in the spring portal. The Vols are still looking. There are reasons for optimism. Matthews has five-star talent. Staley has flashed in practice. Brazzell should improve in his second year in the system. But only orange-colored glasses can hide the concerns in this thin, inexperienced group. Tight ends Miles Kitselman (injured) | Ethan Davis | Cole Harrison or DaSaahn Brame or Jack Van Dorselaer Kitselman is among the SEC's best returning tight ends, but he must recover from a pectoral injury in spring. Advertisement Davis is an athletic pass-catcher who hasn't mastered in-line blocking yet. UT must accentuate what he does best, or Davis must expand his skillset. Either way, it looks like a make-or-break season for him. Don't be shocked if Brame or Van Dorselaer get into the mix as freshmen. Offensive line LT – Lance Heard | Bennett Warren LG – Wendell Moe | Jesse Perry C – William Satterwhite | Max Anderson RG – Sam Pendleton | Shamurad Umarov RT – David Sanders | Jesse Perry Heard is the only returning starter, but things aren't that bleak up front. Moe (Arizona) and Pendleton (Notre Dame) were strong portal pickups. Sanders was the No. 1 tackle in the 2025 class, and he must learn on the job as a freshman. Advertisement Center is a critical position, whether redshirt freshman Satterwhite can fill it or Pendleton must slide there. Perry steps into Dayne Davis' former utility role. Perry could start at guard or be the primary backup at either guard or tackle spot. Defensive line DE – Dominic Bailey | Tyre West | Tyree Weathersby DT – Jaxson Moi | Daevin Hobbs | Josh Schell DT – Bryson Eason | Nathan Robinson or Jamal Wallace (injured) EDGE – Joshua Josephs | Caleb Herring | Jordan Ross There are only concerns about this group when compared to the 2024 unit, the deepest defensive line rotation in college football. But Eason and Josephs are potential All-SEC players. Bailey is a returning starter. And some talented young players have waited their turn. Advertisement Injuries could be an issue after numerous interior linemen missed spring. Defensive ends may need to slide inside, or freshmen could be called upon. Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (90) and Tennessee defensive lineman Bryson Eason (20) celebrate a fumble recovery during a college football game between Tennessee and UTEP at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Linebackers MLB – Jeremiah Telander | Edwin Spillman WLB – Arion Carter | Jordan Burns | Freshman TBD Carter must stay healthy and play consistently. Telander must improve his play outside the tackle box. Spillman must step forward after missing most of the 2024 season due to injury. If all that happens, this is a strong group. But depth is still a big question. At least five linebackers will probably be needed by season's end, which means a freshman or walk-on gets into the mix. Advertisement ADAMS Tennessee lost ground in SEC due to transfer portal shortfall Secondary CB – Jermod McCoy (injured) or Jalen McMurray | Marcus Goree CB – Rickey Gibson | Colton Hood STAR – Boo Carter | Dylan Lewis or TBD S – Andre Turrentine | Jackson Mathews S – Edrees Farooq or Kaleb Beasley McCoy was a 2024 All-American. But he's rehabbing a torn ACL that could sideline him for at least an early portion of the season. Carter is a potential All-SEC player. Gibson and Turrentine are returning starters. But the spring portal poached UT's defensive secondary of depth. Veteran Jalen McMurray could be among the defense's key players because he may start in McCoy's cornerback spot or spell Carter at nickelback. Advertisement Hood, a Colorado transfer, could calm concerns if he can contribute at cornerback. But coaches hope any of five freshmen are ready to play immediately. Specialists P – Jackson Ross PK – Max Gilbert LS – Bennett Brady KO – Josh Turbyville KR – Peyton Lewis or TBD PR – Boo Carter This is the strongest returning unit on the team. Ross, Gilbert and Carter will be preseason All-SEC candidates. Brady takes over for Salansky at long snapper. Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Advertisement Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football 2025 depth chart after spring transfer portal
