The 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot has been released, featuring a strong contingent of California alumni. Over 12,000 members of the National Football Foundation will cast votes for a class that will be announced in early 2027 and celebrated throughout the upcoming season.
California’s Hall of Fame Contenders
Tony Gonzalez, a consensus first‑team All‑American at Cal in 1996, went on to a 17‑year NFL career in which he ranks among the all‑time leaders in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. Marshawn Lynch, who earned first‑team All‑American honors and the 2006 Pac‑10 Offensive Player of the Year, helped the Golden Bears to a 28‑9 record and later capped his career with a Super Bowl XLVIII victory. Ron Rivera, a 1983 consensus All‑American and Lombardi Award finalist, was named Pac‑10 Co‑Defensive Player of the Year and later built a lengthy NFL career that spanned both playing and coaching.
The ballot also contains 80 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision, underscoring the depth of talent under consideration. If selected, each inductee will be recognized during the 2027 season, joining the 17 former Cal players and 21 affiliates already enshrined.