Hall of Fame Announcement
The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame have released the 2027 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, setting the stage for a new class of legends.
Among the notable names on the list are former Fighting Illini Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice, both of whom starred at the University of Illinois before embarking on successful NFL careers.
The 2027 ballot comprises 80 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision, alongside 99 players and 39 coaches from the NCAA’s divisional and NAIA ranks, reflecting a deep pool of talent across the sport.
Illinois’ rich history in the Hall of Fame is underscored by the fact that eighteen former Illini have already earned enshrinement, with the most recent being Dana Howard in 2018 and Moe Gardner in 2022.
Ceremony and Legacy
The class of 2027 will be announced in early 2027 and will be formally inducted at the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Las Vegas, where the honorees will be celebrated on a national stage.
Following the ceremony, the new inductees will be permanently immortalized at the Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, ensuring their contributions to the game are preserved for future generations.