At a Glance
- 15 modern-era finalists announced for the Class of 2026
- Candidates include Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Willie Anderson
- Selection requires an 80% vote; up to five players can be elected
- Why it matters: Fans can see who might join the Hall of Fame and learn the voting process
The NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame have unveiled the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026, a list that features 15 seasoned players ranging from quarterbacks to defensive linemen.
Who’s in the Running
| Player | Position | Teams (Years) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willie Anderson | Offensive tackle | Cincinnati Bengals (1996-07), Baltimore Ravens (2008) | 5th year finalist |
| Drew Brees | Quarterback | San Diego Chargers (2001-05), New Orleans Saints (2006-20) | 1st year |
| Jahri Evans | Offensive guard | New Orleans Saints (2006-16), Green Bay Packers (2017) | 3rd year |
| Larry Fitzgerald | Wide receiver | Arizona Cardinals (2004-20) | 1st year |
| Frank Gore | Running back | San Francisco 49ers (2005-14), Indianapolis Colts (2015-17), Miami Dolphins (2018), Buffalo Bills (2019), New York Jets (2020) | 1st year |
| Torry Holt | Wide receiver | St. Louis Rams (1999-08), Jacksonville Jaguars (2009) | 7th year |
| Luke Kuechly | Linebacker | Carolina Panthers (2012-19) | 2nd year |
| Eli Manning | Quarterback | New York Giants (2004-19) | 2nd year |
| Terrell Suggs | Outside linebacker/defensive end | Baltimore Ravens (2003-18), Arizona Cardinals (2019), Kansas City Chiefs (2019) | 2nd year |
| Adam Vinatieri | Kicker | New England Patriots (1996-05), Indianapolis Colts (2006-19) | 2nd year |
| Reggie Wayne | Wide receiver | Indianapolis Colts (2001-14) | 7th year |
| Kevin Williams | Defensive tackle | Minnesota Vikings (2003-13), Seattle Seahawks (2014), New Orleans Saints (2015) | 1st year (6th eligibility) |
| Jason Witten | Tight end | Dallas Cowboys (2003-17, 2019), Las Vegas Raiders (2020) | 1st year |
| Darren Woodson | Safety | Dallas Cowboys (1992-03) | 4th year |
| Marshal Yanda | Offensive guard/tackle | Baltimore Ravens (2007-19) | 2nd year |
The table lists each finalist’s position, teams, and voting status.
Voting Mechanics & Other Finalists
- The selection committee may elect up to five modern-era players for the class.
- A player must receive at least 80% of the positive vote to be enshrined.
- Separate finalists exist in the senior, coach, and contributor categories: Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood, Bill Belichick, and Robert Kraft.
Ceremony Dates
The Class of 2026 will be announced at NFL Honors in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, ahead of Super Bill LX. Those elected will be officially enshrined in August at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Key Takeaways
- 15 modern-era finalists have been named for the 2026 Hall of Fame class.
- Up to five players can be elected, requiring an 80% vote threshold.
- The announcement occurs on Feb. 5, 2026, with enshrinement in August.
The announcement gives fans a glimpse of the next legends who may join the Hall of Fame’s storied ranks.
