2009 Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram II

The 2009 Heisman Trophy ceremony was held on December 12, 2009, at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, New York City, broadcast live on ESPN and hosted by Chris Fowler. The ceremony honored the most outstanding player in college football for the 2009 season. Five finalists were invited by the Downtown Athletic Club: Colt McCoy, Toby Gerhart, Ndamukong Suh, Tim Tebow, and the eventual winner—Mark Ingram II, running back for the University of Alabama. ^[1]

Preseason Outlook

While Alabama was projected to be a national contender entering the 2009 season, Mark Ingram II was not widely viewed as a Heisman front-runner. However, behind one of the nation’s top offensive lines and a powerful running style, Ingram’s consistent and explosive performances helped power the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season—and ultimately, earned him college football’s top individual honor.

2009 Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram II

Mark Ingram II made history by becoming the first Heisman Trophy winner in Alabama Crimson Tide history. A sophomore at the time, Ingram’s punishing running style and ability to shine in big games helped him stand out in a tight race.

Ingram's 2009 Stats

Rushing: 271 carries for 1,658 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and 17 touchdowns
Receiving: 32 receptions for 334 yards and 3 touchdowns
Total Yards from Scrimmage: 1,992
Total Touchdowns: 20

Ingram’s performance peaked during marquee matchups, including dominant games against South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Florida in the SEC Championship Game, where he scored 3 total touchdowns and led Alabama to a 32–13 victory over the defending national champions.

2009 Heisman Voting Results

Mark Ingram II – 227 first-place votes (1,304 points)
Toby Gerhart – 222 first-place votes (1,276 points)
Colt McCoy – 203 first-place votes (1,145 points)
Ndamukong Suh – 161 first-place votes (815 points)
Tim Tebow – 154 first-place votes (390 points)

Ingram’s win was the closest Heisman vote in history at the time, edging out Stanford’s Toby Gerhart by just 28 points.

2009 Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram II’s other Awards and Honors

Alongside the Heisman Trophy, Mark Ingram received:

Consensus First-Team All-American
SEC Offensive Player of the Year
Finalist for the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award

Ingram was praised not just for his stats, but for his leadership and humility throughout Alabama’s undefeated campaign.

2009 Alabama Football Season Recap

The 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nick Saban, went a perfect 14-0, capturing the SEC Championship and earning a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Alabama defeated Texas 37-21 in Pasadena, California, to win its first national title since 1992.

Ingram rushed for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns in the national title game, solidifying his place in Alabama football history. ^[2]

Alabama’s First Heisman Trophy Winner

Mark Ingram II's Heisman win broke new ground for Alabama, a program rich in football tradition but previously lacking in Heisman recognition. Other Alabama players have followed Mark Ingram as Heisman Trophy Winners, they are Derrick Henry (2015), Devonte Smith (2020), and Bryce Young (2021).

Mark Ingram II in the NFL Draft

After another solid season in 2010, Ingram declared for the 2011 NFL Draft, where he was selected 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints. Over his NFL career, Ingram has been a multiple-time Pro Bowl selection and is the all-time leading rusher in New Orleans Saints history.

Known for his toughness and professionalism, Ingram has also been a team captain and an ambassador for the game off the field. ^[3]

Revision History

Related-topics

References

Heisman [ 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram II ] June 5, 2025
Roll Tide [ Alabama Football Schedule 2009 ] June 5, 2025
ESPN [ Mark Ingram NFL Career Stats ] June 5, 2025

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Last Modified: June 26, 2025