Auburn Alums Gregg Carr, Larry Blakeney Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
AUBURN, Ala. – Former Auburn linebacker Dr. Gregg Carr and two-sport athlete turned coach Larry Blakeney have been named to the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced on Wednesday.
Carr, a consensus All-American in the early 1980s, and Blakeney, who led Troy University’s football program for 24 seasons, will officially be inducted on December 9, 2025, during the NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas.
Gregg Carr: A Defensive Leader and Academic Standout
Carr, now the ninth Auburn player to be inducted, joins an illustrious group that includes Jimmy Hitchcock, Bo Jackson, Pat Sullivan, and Tracy Rocker. Known for his hard-hitting and instinctive style, Carr was Auburn’s leading tackler in three consecutive seasons. He finished his career with 453 tackles, the second-most in school history, including 289 solo tackles and nine sacks. His stellar senior season earned him recognition as the 1984 SEC Lineman of the Year and a First Team All-SEC selection.
Reflecting on his career, Carr attributed much of his success to legendary Auburn coach Pat Dye, who arrived during Carr’s freshman year. Carr described Dye’s initial spring practices in 1981 as grueling but transformative. “What we ended with after four weeks…was a bunch of guys who really believed and bought into what Coach Dye was trying to instill,” Carr said in 2018. “It set the groundwork for what was to happen at Auburn over the ensuing several years.”
Carr’s impact was evident as Auburn claimed the SEC Championship in 1983, marking the school’s first conference title since 1957. During his tenure, Auburn posted a 34-14 record and achieved notable victories in the 1982 Tangerine Bowl, 1984 Sugar Bowl, and 1984 Liberty Bowl.
Off the field, Carr excelled academically, maintaining a 3.22 GPA in civil engineering. He was recognized as an Academic All-American and received the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award. His commitment to academics and athletics earned him the NCAA’s Top Five Student-Athletes honor.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1985, Carr played four NFL seasons before pursuing a career in medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 1994 and now serves as an orthopedic surgeon in his hometown of Birmingham. Carr’s post-football accolades include induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2008) and the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award (2010).
Carr credited Auburn for shaping his life and career. “Auburn afforded me opportunities far beyond what I could ever give back,” he said. “Coach Dye provided us with a blueprint for success—hard work, setting goals, and achieving them.”
Larry Blakeney: A Coaching Legend
Blakeney, another Auburn alum, was recognized for his remarkable coaching career at Troy University. During his 24 seasons at the helm, Blakeney transformed Troy into a powerhouse program, guiding the team to a 178-113-1 record and 15 winning seasons.
Reacting to the honor, Blakeney expressed his gratitude: “It’s one for all of us—coaches, players, fans at Troy. I’m overwhelmed and tickled to death. It’s a tremendous honor.”
Before his coaching success, Blakeney played football and baseball at Auburn in the 1960s. He later returned to Auburn as an assistant coach under Pat Dye, contributing to the Tigers’ rise to prominence.
Blakeney’s coaching career at Troy was marked by numerous milestones, including transitioning the program from Division II to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). His teams won eight conference titles and made five bowl appearances.
A Prestigious Class
Carr and Blakeney join 18 First Team All-Americans and four standout coaches in the 2025 Hall of Fame class. “These legends rank among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game,” said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman.
The inductees will be celebrated during NFF On-Campus Salutes in the fall and permanently enshrined at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Each honoree will receive a custom ring crafted by Jostens.
Auburn’s Legacy in the Hall
Carr and Blakeney add to Auburn’s rich Hall of Fame tradition. In addition to the nine players, Auburn has four coaches inducted: Mike Donahue, John Heisman, Shug Jordan, and Pat Dye.
Reflecting on his journey, Carr emphasized the transformative impact of his Auburn experience: “I grew emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. Auburn gave me so much more than I could ever repay.”
Blakeney, meanwhile, expressed his pride in representing Troy and the broader football community: “This recognition is a testament to everyone who contributed to our success.”
The College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 celebrates not only individual achievements but also the enduring legacy of college football. For Carr and Blakeney, it marks a fitting tribute to lives dedicated to excellence on and off the field.