As Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show prepares to appear in Iowa City ahead of No. 20 Iowa football’s (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) highly-anticipated matchup against No. 9 Oregon (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) from Kinnick Stadium, cast member and 2009 Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram spoke on the feeling of returning to the University of Iowa campus for the first time since his recruitment visit in December of 2007.
“I remember having a great time. I remember having a great time, and yeah, it was my No. 1 spot until it wasn’t, you know, but it ended up being No. 2, and it wasn’t because of anything that y’all did,” Ingram said. “It was all love when I came here. I enjoyed the environment, the people. I always remember coming here for my official visit, so ‘Go Hawks.’ For sure.”
2009 Heisman Trophy winner @markingramII shares memories of visiting Iowa City as a @HawkeyeFootball recruit in the Class of 2008 during his return to town for @BNKonFOX.
Says Iowa was “his number one spot” before eventually picking Alabama.@DavidEickholt with the KF question. pic.twitter.com/IL04GSJrXj
— Mitch Fick (@MCFick) November 7, 2025
Despite an official visit to Iowa, Ingram would eventually sign with Nick Saban and Alabama Crimson Tide as part of their 2008 recruiting class, where he would go on to rush for 42 touchdowns and 3,261 yards and capture the 2009 BCS national championship with the Crimson Tide.
After his time at Alabama, Ingram enjoyed 12-year NFL career where he was a three-time Pro Bowler.
Ingram continued his praise of the Hawkeyes’ program when asked about the legacy and longevity of head coach Kirk Ferentz at Iowa.
“I mean, he’s the GOAT, man. You know, he’s the winningest coach in Big Ten history, and that’ll never be broken, I don’t think. Especially with today’s day and age, how they’re letting go of coaches, you know, for, whatever.
“He’s just an amazing human being. I remember him inviting us to our house, and he’s one of the main reasons why Iowa was so high on my list. I just believed in him. I believed in this program. A program of building great men, great football players, and just a program of success. So, super thankful for him, and super happy for him and what he’s been able to accomplish because just a great man, great human being, and great coach.”
Despite Saturday’s matchup between the Hawkeyes and Ducks airing at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS, “Big Noon Kickoff” will run its Saturday morning pregame show from the steps of the Old Capitol Building in Iowa City, starting at 7:30 a.m. CT.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Heisman Trophy winner recounts nearly signing with Iowa football
