Heisman Trophy recipients Mark Ingram, Cam Newton, and Robert Griffin III, alongside former AP National Player of the Year Ndamukong Suh, have all been named on the ballot for the 2026 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
The National Football Foundation unveiled the list Monday, detailing this prestigious group, which includes 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision, in addition to 100 players and 35 coaches from lower divisions. The announcement of the new class is set for January.
Mark Ingram made history for Alabama by becoming their first Heisman winner in 2009, thanks to his outstanding performance of 1,658 yards and 20 touchdowns that season. Following in his footsteps, Cam Newton became only the third player in FBS annals in 2010 to have both 20 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns. Robert Griffin III also marked his legacy in 2011 by leading the nation in points responsible for, alongside a strong second place in total offensive metrics.
Switching to the defensive side, Ndamukong Suh emerged as a powerhouse for Nebraska in 2009, uniquely becoming the first defensive lineman in fifteen years to reach the finalist stage for the Heisman Trophy. Although he finished fourth in the voting, Suh was celebrated as the nation’s top player according to The Associated Press.
Other notable players appearing on the ballot include Brad Banks from Iowa, Eric Bieniemy from Colorado, Dez Bryant representing Oklahoma State, Ki-Jana Carter from Penn State, Aaron Donald out of Pittsburgh, Marvin Harrison of Syracuse, Josh Heupel from Oklahoma, Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis, Ryan Leaf from Washington State, Marshawn Lynch from California, Simeon Rice hailing from Illinois, and Peter Warrick from Florida State.
The roster of coaches in the running comprises Larry Coker, Gary Patterson, and Chris Petersen. Larry Coker famously led the Miami Hurricanes to back-to-back national championship appearances, securing the 2002 Rose Bowl victory. Gary Patterson established himself as TCU’s all-time franchise wins leader, navigating the team to six AP top 10 finishes. Meanwhile, Chris Petersen stamped his name as Boise State’s all-time wins leader boasting two undefeated seasons and piloting Washington to a spot in the 2016 College Football Playoff.
In another development, the NFF revealed an adjustment in the eligibility criteria regarding coaching candidacy. Starting in 2027, the minimum career winning percentage for coaches eligible for induction will fall from .600 to .595.
This modification is notable for making the late Mike Leach eligible, with his strong .596 career winning percentage amassed over a 158-107 record spanning 21 seasons at Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State. Leach gained acclaim for his innovative offensive strategies and a remarkable aptitude for orchestrating unexpected victories, notably winning 18 matches against Top 25 teams when his squad was unranked.