Nebraska Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln revealed the six athletes and contributors who will be enshrined in its 2026 Football Hall of Fame, a roster that blends dominant defensive stalwarts, prolific rushers and influential figures who have shaped the program for decades.
Among the inductees are former All‑Pro linebacker Lavonte David, whose 14‑year tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers culminated in a Super Bowl LV championship and three All‑Pro honors; Cory Schlesinger, a 13‑season Detroit Lions veteran who earned three Pro Bowl selections; and Charles Fryar, a key member of Nebraska’s top‑10 pass‑defense units in 1988. Also honored are running back Cory Ross, who sits among the school’s all‑time rushing leaders, and Sam Foltz, a punter who captured the Big Ten Punter of the Year award in his junior season.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, September 4, at Memorial Stadium, where the honorees will be recognized during the Cornhuskers’ season‑opening matchup against Ohio. In addition to the player inductees, the Nebraska Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will present the Legend Award to former head coach Frank Solich and the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award to longtime radio voice Kent Pavelka.
Joe Planansky, a four‑year starter at Chadron State and three‑time unanimous all‑conference tight end in the 1990s, will receive the state‑college inductee honor, while the late Sam Foltz will be remembered for his impact on the program. The class also reflects the broader legacy of Nebraska football, linking past achievements with future inspiration for current and upcoming players.
A Legacy of Excellence
Nebraska’s Hall of Fame selections underscore the program’s storied history, from dominant defensive schemes in the 1980s to the rushing triumphs of the 1990s, and highlight the enduring contributions of coaches, broadcasters and student‑athletes who have defined each era.