Cam Newton should already be in College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame stands as one of the highest honors in American sports. College football remains one of the nation’s most beloved and influential games, and while not every collegiate legend finds success at the professional level, their accomplishments live on forever in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Hall of Fame’s 2026 class features some of the greatest players ever to step onto a football field. Announced earlier this year, the class is loaded with legendary talent. Former stars such as Alabama’s Mark Ingram, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald, and Kansas State’s Terence Newman headline an impressive group of inductees.

However, one of college football’s most iconic players remains on the outside looking in despite being eligible for nearly five years. In fact, he only appeared on the ballot for the first time with this Hall of Fame class. That player is former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, and he should already be in the College Football Hall of Fame.

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His continued absence is difficult to justify. Newton’s college career contains too many remarkable accomplishments to ignore. Not only was his journey one of redemption and perseverance, but he also delivered one of the most dominant individual seasons the sport has ever witnessed.

ESPN’s First Take cast of Shae Cornette, Cam Newton and Ryan Clark share a laugh during the live show at Bethune-Cookman University during the show’s HBCU fall tour, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Everyone knows the circumstances surrounding Newton’s dismissal from Florida. A series of poor decisions, combined with an increasingly complicated situation within the program, ultimately led to his departure. Urban Meyer did little to help the situation, but Newton was responsible for his own actions. His dismissal, at the time, was understandable.

Rather than allowing that setback to define him, Newton transferred to Blinn College. He made the most of his second chance. Newton put together an outstanding season at the junior college level and eventually earned an opportunity to continue his career at Auburn.

That’s where his story reached legendary status.

Newton arrived on campus and immediately transformed Auburn into a national championship contender. It is difficult to overstate just how different that Tigers team would have looked without him.

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He carried Auburn to a perfect 14-0 season while producing one of the greatest campaigns in college football history. Newton threw for 30 touchdowns, averaged more than 10 yards per pass attempt, rushed for over 100 yards per game, and added 20 rushing touchdowns. In total, he accounted for 51 of Auburn’s 72 offensive touchdowns.

Dec 4, 2010; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Cameron Newton (2) during the first half of the 2010 SEC championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

His remarkable season led Auburn to a BCS National Championship victory over Oregon and earned him the Heisman Trophy. A quarterback who had once been dismissed from a Division I program fought his way back to the top of the sport and became college football’s biggest star.

Of course, critics will point to the off-field controversies that followed Newton at both Florida and Auburn. Those stories are part of his legacy, whether supporters like it or not.

Still, five years of Hall of Fame snubs are difficult to explain.

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There are countless players and coaches worthy of induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Every one of them deserves recognition for their contributions to the sport.

Former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton cheers on his team from the sideline as Auburn Tigers take on Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Auburn Tigers lead Georgia Bulldogs 10-3 at halftime.

Yet Newton’s résumé should place him near the top of every ballot. Regardless of opinions about his personality or the controversies that surrounded his career, his impact on college football is undeniable.

Cam Newton changed the sport, delivered one of the greatest individual seasons ever recorded, and led his team to a national championship. His place in college football history is secure.

Now it’s time for the Hall of Fame to recognize it.

Newton should be elected in the next class.

Frankly, he should already be there.

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