Major Ogilvie is a celebrated former college football running back who achieved national acclaim playing for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. During his collegiate career from 1977 to 1980, he became a key contributor to one of the most successful eras in college football history. His clutch performances in postseason games made him an enduring figure among Southern football fans.
Early Life and High School Football Success
Major Ogilvie grew up in Alabama, where he developed a passion for competitive athletics at an early age. He attended Mountain Brook High School, where he established himself as a standout high school running back. During his high school tenure, he led his team to consecutive state championships in 1975 and 1976.
His exceptional performance on the high school gridiron attracted heavy recruitment from major college programs across the region. Ogilvie ultimately decided to commit to the University of Alabama to play under Coach Bear Bryant. This decision placed him at the heart of a powerful championship-caliber roster.
Collegiate Career with the Alabama Crimson Tide
At Alabama, Ogilvie excelled as a pivotal running back in the program's signature wishbone offense. Over 44 career games, he rushed for 1,718 yards and scored 26 total touchdowns. His disciplined running style and versatility made him a trusted goal-line specialist throughout his collegiate years.
Ogilvie contributed significantly to Alabama winning three SEC championships in 1977, 1978, and 1979. He was also an integral part of the back-to-back national championship teams in 1978 and 1979. Recognizing his performance, he earned All-SEC First Team honors in 1979 and served as team captain in 1980.
Historic Postseason Achievements and Legacy
Major Ogilvie holds the unique distinction of being the first college football player to score a touchdown in four consecutive New Year's Day bowl games. He made memorable plays in the 1979 Sugar Bowl against Penn State, helping Alabama secure the national title. A year later, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1980 Sugar Bowl after scoring two touchdowns against Arkansas.
He capped off his bowl game legacy by earning co-MVP honors in the 1981 Cotton Bowl Classic against Baylor. Beyond his athletic excellence, Ogilvie was recognized for his academic accomplishments, earning Academic All-American status in 1979. In 2014, his outstanding contributions to sports were officially recognized when he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Major Ogilvie? Major Ogilvie is a former running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide who played under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1977 to 1980.
What unique record does Major Ogilvie hold? He was the first player in college football history to score a touchdown in four consecutive New Year's Day bowl games.
Is Major Ogilvie in the Hall of Fame? Yes, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 in recognition of his football achievements.