Full Breakdown
2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot Revealed: 179 Candidates Across Divisions
6/3/2026, 1:04:17 AM
Core Event: Ballot Announcement and Candidate Overview
On Monday, June 1, the National Football Foundation (NFF) released the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. The slate comprises 179 former players and 48 coaches. Voting will be conducted by more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers, with results forwarded to the NFF Honors Court for final selection. The inductees will be announced in early 2027 and formally recognized at the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner.
Background & Context: Eligibility Criteria and Recent Adjustments
Standard eligibility requires a minimum of ten years as a head coach, at least 100 games coached, and a career winning-percentage threshold. Until 2025 the threshold was .600; the NFF lowered it to .595, a change that placed coaches such as Mike Leach (career .596) and Jackie Sherrill (.592) on the ballot for the first time. All other eligibility requirements—including the ten-year coaching minimum—remain unchanged.
Notable Candidates Across Programs
The ballot features a concentration of former Pittsburgh Steelers: offensive linemen Alan Faneca, David DeCastro, Flozell Adams; receiver Troy Edwards; running back Richard Erenberg; defensive tackle Casey Hampton; linebacker Tyler Matakevich; tight end Heath Miller; cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Donnell Woolford; and quarterback Antwaan Randle El. Other high-profile nominees include Heisman winners Cam Newton (Auburn) and Robert Griffin III (Baylor); Heisman finalists such as A.J. Hawk (Ohio State) and Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin); former Alabama standouts Barrett Jones and DeMeco Ryans; Texas legends Colt McCoy and Casey Hampton; Florida State’s Sebastian Janikowski; Louisiana Tech’s Troy Edwards, Matt Dunigan, and coach Maxie Lambright; and Iowa’s Brad Banks, Dallas Clark, and Adrian Clayborn. Coaching candidates span the spectrum from Mike Leach and Jackie Sherrill to Dennis Franchione and Tommy Tuberville.
Data & Statistics
- Players: 179 total (80 from the Football Bowl Subdivision, 99 from Division II/III and NAIA).
- Coaches: 48 total (9 FBS, 39 lower-division).
- Voting body: >12,000 NFF members and Hall of Famers.
- Former Steelers on ballot: 11.
- Heisman winners on ballot: 2 (Newton, Griffin III).
- Multiple-time All-Americans: dozens, including Faneca, DeCastro, Miller, and Janikowski.
Official Statements & Responses
The NFF described the ballot distribution: “The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current NFF Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF Honors Court, which will deliberate and select the class.” The organization also noted that the eligibility adjustment “reflects thoughtful dialogue with leaders across the sport” (see Verbatim Quotes).
Criticism & Opposition
Prior to the eligibility change, coaches such as Mike Leach were repeatedly excluded despite long, influential careers. Their omission prompted “extensive criticism of the process from coaches, media members and others,” highlighting concerns that a narrow statistical threshold undervalued broader contributions to the game.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source lists the ballot as containing 179 players, while other reports break the figure into 80 FBS and 99 non-FBS players. Both presentations are mathematically consistent, but the lack of a unified breakdown across outlets creates minor reporting variance.
Verbatim Quotes
> “This adjustment reflects thoughtful dialogue with leaders across the sport and allows us to better recognize coaches whose contributions to the game extend beyond a narrow statistical threshold,” — Steve Hatchell, NFF President & CEO
What’s Next: Timeline for Voting and Induction
Ballots are due July 1. The NFF Honors Court will review votes, and the 2027 Hall of Fame class will be announced in January 2027. Induction ceremonies will occur at the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, followed by on-campus salutes at each inductee’s alma mater during the 2027 season.
