The National Football Foundation announced the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, a list that blends legendary players with a handful of coaches whose impact reshaped the game.
A Legacy of Innovation and Upset Victories
Leach, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 61, spent two decades steering teams at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State. His wide‑open, air‑raid philosophy produced dozens of scoring and passing records, while his teams famously toppled higher‑ranked opponents when they were themselves unranked, compiling 18 victories over Top 25 squads.
The eligibility rules were adjusted after his death, allowing coaches with a .596 winning percentage or better to be considered. Leach finished with a 158‑107 record, a .596 win rate that satisfies the new benchmark.
The ballot includes 80 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision, among them Larry Coker, Dennis Franchione, Ralph Friedgen, Darryl Rogers, Jackie Sherrill and Tommy Tuberville. Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III also appear on the list.
Before any vote is taken, each nominee undergoes a screening process to verify that they meet the Hall’s criteria. The final selections are then determined by the NFF Honors Court, which reviews the screened pool and casts the ultimate votes.
Leach’s nomination underscores how his daring play‑calling and ability to punch above his weight left an indelible mark on college football, a legacy that continues to influence offensive strategies across the sport.