The Alabama Crimson Tide football program is a college football team that represents the University of Alabama (variously Alabama, UA, or 'Bama). The team currently competes in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference. The Crimson Tide is one of the most storied and decorated programs in NCAA history. Since beginning play in 1892, the program has claimed 13 national championships, and is tied with Notre Dame with eight poll-era wire (AP or Coaches) national titles. From 1958 to 1982, the team was led by Hall of Fame coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, who won six national championships with the program. Despite multiple national and conference championships, it was not until 2009 that an Alabama player received a Heisman Trophy, when running back Mark Ingram became t