Pro Football Hall of Fame Class Sizes Shrink as 2025 Induction Nears

The 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will induct four new members: defensive back Eric Allen, edge rusher Jared Allen, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, marking one of the smallest classes since 2005. The induction ceremony is scheduled for noon ET on Saturday and will be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network. The Hall of Fame's voting process, updated in 2024, requires candidates to receive 80% of the vote or be among the top three Modern-Era vote-getters, making it increasingly difficult for borderline candidates to gain entry, especially with strong first-ballot contenders like Tom Brady and J.J. Watt in upcoming classes. Several former Carolina Panthers players such as Jordan Gross and Thomas Davis are eligible for future consideration, although the franchise has had limited Hall of Fame representation historically. Looking ahead to the 2026 class, a list of 16 candidates includes a range of prospects from locks to longshots, with some finalists from the 2025 cycle expected to return for another chance at induction. This evolving landscape underscores the growing competitiveness and selectivity of Hall of Fame entry in professional football.