The National Football Foundation (NFF) has revealed the pool of candidates for the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame, a list that includes three distinguished alumni of the University of Southern California.
Jeff Bregel, a standout offensive lineman, earned two All‑American honors during his collegiate career and captured the Pac‑10 Morris Trophy as the conference’s most exceptional lineman. Following his draft selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 1987, Bregel contributed to the team’s offensive line for three seasons before moving on from the league.
Mark Carrier made history as the first Trojan to win the Thorpe Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive back. After a successful stint with the Chicago Bears, drafted in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft, Carrier transitioned into broadcasting and coaching, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport.
Bruce Matthews, whose 19‑year NFL career spanned from the early 1980s to the turn of the millennium, amassed a reputation as one of the game’s premier linemen. His achievements culminated in a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, and after hanging up his cleats he embraced coaching, further extending his football legacy.
A Legacy of Trojan Excellence
All three athletes were later honored with induction into the USC Athletics Hall of Fame, underscoring the university’s rich contribution to college football history. Their stories reflect not only individual brilliance but also the broader impact of Trojan alumni on the professional game and its cultural fabric.
The Hall of Fame selection process emphasizes recent performance, All‑American recognition, and off‑field excellence, criteria that each of these former Trojans clearly satisfied. Their inclusion on the 2027 ballot highlights the enduring influence of USC’s football program on the national stage.