During this period, Ball earned two Consensus All-American honors in 2011 and 2012, and was awarded the prestigious Doak Walker Award in 2012. His exceptional performance also garnered him the Archie Griffin Award, Big Ten Most Valuable Player, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2011. He was further recognized as a two-time Big Ten Running Back of the Year (2011, 2012) and a two-time First-team All-Big Ten selection (2011, 2012). Ball’s formidable talent was highlighted by his selection as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2011.

Ball’s enduring legacy in football continues to be recognized, cementing his place among the sport’s greats. In 2023, he was formally inducted into the University of Wisconsin’s Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring his collegiate achievements. Looking ahead, Ball is slated for further esteemed inductions: he will join the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2025 class, alongside an additional induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in the same year. These upcoming honors underscore his lasting impact and significant contributions to the sport at both collegiate and national levels.