College Football Hall of Fame Announces Star-Studded 2025 Class
The National Football Foundation has unveiled the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class, headlined by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and NFL legends Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald. The 22-member group, announced on Monday, includes iconic players and coaches who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Headliners: Mark Ingram, Ndamukong Suh, and Aaron Donald lead the induction class.
- Class Size: 22 inductees total, including 18 players and 4 coaches.
- Notable Names: Former star quarterbacks Ryan Leaf and Donovan McNabb are also included.
- Induction: The ceremony is scheduled for December 2025.
Star Power: The Headline Inductees
Mark Ingram made history in 2009 as Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner. His 1,658 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns that season powered the Crimson Tide to a national championship. He later enjoyed a 12-year NFL career, primarily with the New Orleans Saints.
Ndamukong Suh was a defensive force at Nebraska, sweeping the Outland, Lombardi, Nagurski, and Bednarik awards in 2009. The Detroit Lions selected him second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, beginning an 11-season professional career.
Aaron Donald redefined defensive excellence. A three-time All-American at Pittsburgh, he won the Nagurski, Lombardi, and Bednarik awards in 2013. Drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 2014, he retired after the 2023 season as a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a Super Bowl champion.
Quarterbacks and Coaching Legends
The class also features two prominent quarterbacks with contrasting professional arcs.
Ryan Leaf was a Heisman finalist in 1997 after leading Washington State to the Rose Bowl. The San Diego Chargers picked him second overall in 1998, but his NFL tenure was brief and did not meet expectations.
Donovan McNabb, a three-time Big East Offensive Player of the Year at Syracuse, was the second overall pick in 1999 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.
Complete List of Inductees
Players: Paul Posluszny (Penn State), Antwaan Randle El (Indiana), Dennis Thomas (Alcorn State), Warrick Dunn (Florida State), Dante Lavelli (Ohio State), Derrick Locke (Kentucky), Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), Kevin Smith (Texas A&M), Chris Ward (Ohio State), LaMarcus McDonald (TCU).
Coaches: Frank Beamer (Murray State, Virginia Tech), Paul Johnson (Georgia Southern, Navy, Georgia Tech), Mark Mangino (Kansas), Danny Rocco (Liberty, Richmond, Delaware).
The formal induction ceremony for the College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 will be held this December.
