Auburn Legends Gregg Carr and Larry Blakeney Headline 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class
The Auburn Tigers are celebrating a monumental achievement as two of their all-time greats, Dr. Gregg Carr and Larry Blakeney, are set to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The National Football Foundation announced the honorees on Wednesday, cementing their legacies among the sport’s most iconic figures.
Dr. Gregg Carr: A Defensive Dynamo and Inspirational Leader
Gregg Carr, a consensus All-American linebacker in 1984, became the heart and soul of Auburn’s defense during the early 1980s. Known for his hard-hitting, instinctive play, Carr’s 453 career tackles rank second in Auburn history. He led the Tigers in tackles during three consecutive seasons, anchoring a defense that helped Auburn claim the 1983 SEC Championship.
Reflecting on his time at Auburn, Carr credited legendary coach Pat Dye for shaping his approach to football and life.
“Coach Dye instilled in us a confidence and a recipe for success,” Carr said. “It wasn’t complicated. It was hard work and setting goals, then working hard to achieve those goals. I left Auburn a very different person—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually.”
Carr’s football accolades are matched by his academic excellence. A civil engineering major with a 3.22 GPA, he earned Academic All-American honors and the NCAA’s Top Five Student-Athlete Award. After a four-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carr pursued a medical degree, becoming an orthopedic surgeon in his hometown of Birmingham.
For Carr, this Hall of Fame recognition is the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance, mentorship, and gratitude. “I took from Auburn so much more than I could ever give back,” he shared.
Larry Blakeney: The Architect of Troy’s Rise
Larry Blakeney, a former Auburn quarterback and assistant coach, transformed Troy University’s football program during his 24 seasons as head coach. Guiding the Trojans from Division II to the FBS, Blakeney amassed 178 wins, eight conference championships, and five bowl appearances.
Blakeney’s tenure included signature victories over Power Five programs like Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Mississippi State, showcasing his ability to elevate Troy to the national stage. His teams earned seven FCS playoff appearances before transitioning to the FBS, where they dominated the Sun Belt Conference with five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Blakeney said of his Hall of Fame induction. “This is for all of us—coaches, players, fans—who poured so much into making Troy what it is today. I’m overwhelmed and tickled to death.”
Blakeney’s impact extended beyond the field, with significant renovations to Veterans Memorial Stadium and his mentorship of 14 All-Americans and numerous all-conference players. In recognition of his contributions, Troy named its playing surface “Larry Blakeney Field.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Carr and Blakeney join an illustrious group of Auburn figures in the Hall of Fame, including players like Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan, and coaches such as Pat Dye and Shug Jordan. Carr is the ninth Auburn player to earn the honor for his on-field accomplishments and the first in 16 years.
Their inductions will be celebrated at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 9, 2025, at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, with additional on-campus ceremonies and permanent enshrinement at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
As Auburn fans reflect on the contributions of Carr and Blakeney, their inductions serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Auburn football and the remarkable individuals who shaped it.
