Ingram, Newton, RG3, Suh: College Football HOF Ballot 2026
Mark Ingram, Cam newton, Robert Griffin III, and NFL grate Ndamukong Suh headline the loaded 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, as revealed by the National Football Foundation. This year’s ballot boasts 79 outstanding players and nine coaches from the FBS, promising an exciting selection process. Among the coaches, fans will find Larry Coker, Gary patterson, and Chris Petersen. Also, the NFF altered its coaching eligibility criteria. Thanks to the adjustment, Mike Leach is now in contention.News Directory 3 has the latest updates on this year’s candidates. Will the voters select these college football icons? Discover what’s next as the Hall of Fame inductees are announced in January.
Heisman Winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin III on College football Hall of Fame Ballot
Updated June 2, 2025
Three Heisman Trophy recipients—Mark Ingram, Cam Newton, and Robert Griffin III—join Ndamukong Suh, a former AP National Player of the Year, on the ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.
The National Football Foundation (NFF) released the list Monday. The class, to be revealed in January, features 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), along with 100 players and 35 coaches from lower division levels.
Ingram, in 2009, became Alabama’s first Heisman winner, rushing for 1,658 yards and 20 touchdowns. Newton, in 2010, became only the third FBS player to score 20 touchdowns both passing and rushing. Griffin led the nation in points responsible for and ranked second in total offense in 2011.
suh, a dominant force for Nebraska in 2009, was the first defensive lineman in 15 seasons to be a Heisman finalist. He finished fourth in the voting and was named the nation’s top player by the AP.
Other notable players on the ballot include Brad Banks (Iowa), Eric Bieniemy (Colorado), Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State), Ki-Jana Carter (Penn State), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), Marvin Harrison (Syracuse), Josh Heupel (Oklahoma), James laurinaitis (Ohio State), Ryan Leaf (Washington State), Marshawn Lynch (California), Simeon Rice (Illinois), and Peter Warrick (Florida State).
Coaches under consideration include Larry Coker, Gary Patterson, and Chris Petersen.
Coker guided Miami to consecutive national title games, winning the 2002 Rose Bowl. Patterson holds the TCU record for wins, leading the Horned Frogs to six AP top 10 finishes. Petersen, Boise State’s all-time wins leader, led the Broncos to two undefeated seasons and washington to the 2016 College Football Playoff.
The NFF also announced a change to coaching eligibility.Starting in 2027, the minimum career winning percentage drops from.600 to .595.
This adjustment makes the late Mike Leach eligible. Leach, who died in 2022, had a .596 winning percentage with a 158-107 record over 21 seasons at Texas Tech,Washington State,and Mississippi State.
Leach was known for his innovative offenses and upset victories. His teams won 18 games against Top 25 opponents while unranked.
What’s next
The announcement of the College Football Hall of Fame inductees will take place in January, setting the stage for celebrations and reflections on the careers of these gridiron legends.