Auburn Tigers Legend Cam Newton, Iconic 2010 Heisman Winner, Among School’s Greats Nominated to College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Cam Newton, one of the most electrifying players in college football history and the driving force behind Auburn’s 2010 national championship run, has officially been named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. The former Auburn Tigers quarterback is joined on the ballot by several other Auburn legends, highlighting a rich legacy of gridiron greatness that has defined the program for decades.

Newton’s nomination comes as no surprise to fans of college football. His dominance during his lone season at Auburn remains etched into the annals of the sport. In 2010, he led the Tigers to a perfect 14-0 record, culminating in a 22-19 victory over Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game. Along the way, Newton amassed 2,854 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores. His 50 total touchdowns that season are still one of the most staggering single-season outputs in college football history.

Perhaps what made Newton’s campaign so memorable was not just the numbers, but how he accumulated them. Week after week, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound quarterback dazzled with both power and poise, shrugging off defenders like a fullback and dropping dimes like a seasoned pro. From an epic comeback against Alabama in the Iron Bowl to his absolute dismantling of South Carolina in the SEC Championship Game, Newton’s heroics were must-see television every Saturday.

In December 2010, Newton became the third Auburn player to win the Heisman Trophy, joining Pat Sullivan (1971) and Bo Jackson (1985). What separated Newton from many other Heisman winners was how decisively he elevated his team. Auburn was ranked No. 22 in the preseason AP Poll, largely considered a good but not great team entering the year. By season’s end, they were undefeated national champions, and Newton had captured every major award possible: the Heisman, the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year, and AP Player of the Year.

After the national title, Newton declared for the NFL Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011. He would go on to become the NFL MVP in 2015, lead the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance, and earn three Pro Bowl selections. Yet for all his NFL success, many Auburn fans still point to that 2010 season as the most exhilarating in program history—and Newton was the engine behind it all.

Now, more than a decade later, the legacy of Newton and his fellow Auburn greats continues to resonate as the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for the 2026 class includes not only Newton but also a handful of other Tigers who left their mark on the program and the sport.

Among them is offensive lineman Marcus McNeill, a dominant tackle who anchored Auburn’s offensive line during the undefeated 2004 season. McNeill was a two-time All-SEC selection and helped the Tigers win the SEC Championship while paving the way for Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown in the backfield. McNeill later went on to a successful NFL career with the San Diego Chargers.

Also on the ballot is linebacker Gregg Carr, a standout defender from the mid-1980s who earned consensus All-America honors and was a tackling machine during his time on the Plains. Carr’s impact was instrumental during a formative period in Auburn football under coach Pat Dye, helping the Tigers become SEC contenders year after year.

Rounding out Auburn’s Hall of Fame ballot presence is kicker John Vaughn, who played from 2003 to 2006. While specialists often get overlooked, Vaughn was a consistent and reliable weapon, earning All-SEC honors and setting multiple program records. His longevity, production, and impact in clutch moments earned him a place among the school’s most dependable players of the early 2000s.

The inclusion of these Auburn players on the Hall of Fame ballot is a reflection of the program’s sustained excellence and national relevance over the decades. From the rugged, run-heavy teams of the 1980s to the dynamic offenses of the early 2000s and the high-octane, spread attack that Newton led in 2010, Auburn football has consistently produced elite talent capable of excelling at the highest level.

To be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame, players must have been named a First Team All-American by an NCAA-recognized selector, have completed their college football career at least ten years prior, and be retired from professional football. Newton meets these criteria easily, though his eligibility now reflects just how quickly time has flown since his iconic 2010 campaign.

The Hall of Fame selection process is rigorous, and inclusion on the ballot does not guarantee induction. But given Newton’s accolades, influence, and enduring impact, his chances are strong. He remains one of the most recognizable figures in college football history, with a legacy that extends well beyond Auburn. From youth football fields to professional locker rooms, Newton has been a role model, motivator, and at times a polarizing figure—but always undeniably great.

What also strengthens Newton’s case is his cultural relevance. He was a transformative player not just in terms of production but also in redefining what a college quarterback could be. Before Newton, the prototypical quarterback was more often than not a pocket passer. After Newton, the door was wide open for dual-threat quarterbacks who could impose their will in every facet of the game. He helped pave the way for stars like Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Caleb Williams—dynamic playmakers who could beat you in every possible way.

Moreover, Newton’s leadership that season was invaluable. Despite enormous media scrutiny, a high-profile eligibility investigation during the season, and the pressure of an undefeated campaign, Newton remained composed and continued to deliver historic performances week in and week out. His ability to block out distractions and rally his team with both his voice and his play was a trait that few athletes possess.

The announcement of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class will be made in early 2026, with an official induction ceremony scheduled for later in the year in Las Vegas. Should Newton be selected, he will become the fourth Heisman-winning Auburn player enshrined in the Hall, following in the footsteps of Sullivan, Jackson, and Tracy Rocker—himself a Hall of Fame defensive tackle and former Auburn assistant coach.

For Auburn fans, Newton’s nomination represents more than just an individual honor. It is a reminder of a magical season that brought joy, unity, and pride to the entire Auburn family. That 2010 team holds a special place in the school’s history, and Newton was its heart and soul. His nomination also provides an opportunity to reflect on the broader tradition of Auburn excellence—from its ferocious defenses to its powerful offensive lines and clutch kickers. The Tigers have always been a program built on toughness, talent, and tenacity, and the players on this ballot exemplify all of those traits.

As the sport continues to evolve, the College Football Hall of Fame remains a place to honor those who shaped the game and inspired generations. Cam Newton did both, and his nomination is not just deserved—it feels inevitable. Whether you’re an Auburn fan, a college football historian, or someone who simply appreciates greatness, Newton’s presence on the 2026 ballot is a cause for celebration and reflection.

Now, Auburn fans wait for what they hope is the inevitable news next year—that their modern-day football hero will officially take his place among the legends of the game.