Record Number of 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The National Football Foundation honors 18 legendary players and 4 iconic coaches for their contributions to the sport.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:56am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in deep maroon, burnt orange, and forest green tones, capturing the dynamic action and energy of a college football game in an abstract, cubist style.The diverse talents and accomplishments of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame inductees are celebrated through a cubist, deconstructed visual style.Atlanta Today

The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced the 2026 induction class on January 14, 2026. The class consists of 18 First Team All-America players, including Heisman Trophy winners, national champions, and unanimous All-Americans, as well as 4 coaches who collectively secured 48 conference championships and 5 national titles.

Why it matters

The College Football Hall of Fame induction is one of the highest individual honors in the sport, recognizing the all-time greats who have left an indelible mark on the game. This record-setting class highlights the enduring legacy of collegiate football and the diverse range of institutions and eras represented among the inductees.

The details

The 2026 class includes standout players such as Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram of Alabama, national champion Peter Warrick of Florida State, and dominant defensive stars Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh and Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska. On the coaching side, the inductees include legendary figures like Ken Sparks of Carson-Newman, who won 5 national titles, and Chris Petersen, the architect of Boise State's rise to national prominence.

  • The 2026 induction class was announced on January 14, 2026.
  • The 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Las Vegas, will be held on December 8, 2026 to enshrine the new inductees.
  • Following the ceremony, the inductees will be permanently housed at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

Mark Ingram

Played running back for the University of Alabama from 2008 to 2010 and won the 2009 Heisman Trophy.

Peter Warrick

Played wide receiver for Florida State University from 1996 to 1999 and was a national champion.

Aaron Donald

Played defensive tackle for the University of Pittsburgh from 2010 to 2013.

Ndamukong Suh

Played defensive tackle for the University of Nebraska from 2006 to 2009.

Ken Sparks

Coached at Carson-Newman and won 5 national championships.

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What they’re saying

“Each of these legends ranks among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to adding their incredible accomplishments to those permanently enshrined in the NFF Hall of Fame”

— Archie Manning, NFF chairman

What’s next

The inductees will be officially enshrined at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 8, 2026 in Atlanta.

The takeaway

This record-setting College Football Hall of Fame class underscores the enduring impact and excellence of the sport's all-time greats, spanning multiple eras, positions, and institutions. Their induction will cement their legacies and inspire future generations of players and coaches.