IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame has unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class, a roster stacked with gridiron titans. Among the celebrated names is former Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who anchors a group featuring 18 First Team All-America players and four distinguished coaches. This announcement solidifies the legacy of college careers that captivated fans and dominated headlines across the nation.
The announcement, made during ESPN2’s College Football Live Presented by Great Clips, marks the 68th induction class into the hallowed halls in Atlanta. The induction ceremony itself is scheduled for December 8, 2026, during the NFF Annual Awards Dinner presented by Las Vegas at the Bellagio Resort & Casino.
Ndamukong Suh: Dominance Personified
For fans who witnessed his tenure in Lincoln, Ndamukong Suh’s inclusion was a matter of when, not if. Suh, who played for the University of Nebraska from 2006 to 2009, was a force of nature on the defensive line. His collegiate career culminated in a dominant senior season where he became one of the most decorated defensive players in college football history, capturing the Outland Trophy, the Lombardi Award, and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Suh’s ability to disrupt offenses single-handedly—often requiring multiple blockers—made him a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. His induction recognizes a player whose intensity, skill, and sheer physical presence set a new benchmark for defensive tackles in the modern era of college football. His impact on the Cornhuskers program paved the way for a highly successful professional career, but it is his collegiate achievements being celebrated today.
A Star-Studded Player Lineup
Suh is joined by an extraordinary collection of peers. The 2026 class reads like a who’s who of college football royalty. Notably, fellow defensive powerhouse Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh) also finds his place in this esteemed group, highlighting a modern era of defensive dominance recognized in this single class.
Other headline inductees include running backs Jerry Azumah (New Hampshire) and Mark Ingram (Alabama), wide receivers Marvin Harrison (Syracuse) and Peter Warrick (Florida State), and defensive backs Terence Newman (Kansas State) and Eric Weddle (Utah). The class reflects geographical and positional diversity, spanning from the service academies (Bob Novogratz, Army) to major powerhouses across the country.
Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer, encapsulated the significance of the announcement. “We are thrilled to announce the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class,” Manning stated. “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.”
Coaching Excellence Recognized
The honor extends beyond the field of play, recognizing four coaches whose leadership shaped countless athletes. The quartet includes Jim Margraff (Johns Hopkins University), Gary Patterson (Texas Christian University), Chris Petersen (Boise State/Washington), and the late Ken Sparks (Carson-Newman University).
Chris Petersen, known for his innovative offenses and championship runs at both Boise State and Washington, brings a modern coaching pedigree to the class. Meanwhile, Gary Patterson established TCU as a perennial threat in the Big 12. The inclusion of Margraff and Sparks honors significant achievements in the divisional ranks, underscoring the NFF’s commitment to recognizing excellence across all levels of the sport.
The Road to Induction
The selection process for the College Football Hall of Fame is rigorous. The 18 players and four coaches were chosen from a national ballot comprising 79 FBS players and nine coaches, alongside nominees from the divisional ranks. This vetting ensures that only those whose careers represent the pinnacle of collegiate achievement earn this lifelong honour.
For those eager to celebrate these achievements firsthand, tickets for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner are currently available. Furthermore, the inductees will be honoured at their respective collegiate institutions through the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, ensuring local communities can share in the celebration of their heroes.
The 2026 class stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and competitive spirit of college football. From the dominant interior presence of Suh and Donald to the strategic brilliance of Petersen, this group has left an indelible mark on the game, securing their place in history ahead of the December ceremony in Las Vegas.
