Hall Announces 128 Nominees for 2026 Class

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 128 modern‑era nominees for the Class of 2026. A screening committee will cut the list to 50 in October, then to 25 and 15 semifinalists, with three to five modern‑era players to be selected and final votes expected in early 2026. Thirteen players are first‑time eligible, headlined by quarterbacks Drew Brees, Philip Rivers and Alex Smith and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald; other notable first‑time nominees include Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy, Jason Witten, Greg Olsen, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey and Thomas Davis. The nominee pool comprises 77 offensive players, 42 defensive players and nine special teamers, with multiple franchises well represented. Four returning finalists from 2025 — Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri — have already secured spots among next year’s final 15 and will be joined by seniors, coaches and contributors under consideration.