A Hall of Fame Race
The upcoming 2027 College Football Hall of Fame class promises to celebrate a remarkable array of talent, with former Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel, linebacker Rocky Calmus and alumnus George Cumby all listed among the candidates. Their inclusion reflects a broader narrative of sustained excellence that has shaped the program's storied history.
Heupel, who guided the Sooners to a national championship in 2000, remains a fixture in the conversation after being named runner‑up for the Heisman Trophy that same year. His career passing yards place him fifth in school history, and his coaching trajectory — from quarterbacks coach to co‑offensive coordinator and now head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers — has kept him connected to the sport's elite circles.
Calmus, a dominant force at linebacker from 1998 to 2001, earned the 2000 AP Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honor and later captured the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker in 2001. His 431 career tackles rank fourth all‑time at Oklahoma, while his 59 tackles for loss stand as a program record, underscoring a legacy of defensive mastery.
George Cumby, whose collegiate career began as a running back before transitioning to linebacker, amassed three first‑team All‑Big Eight selections and emerged as the Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year in 1978‑79. A unanimous All‑American in 1979, Cumby will be inducted in December 2026, becoming the sixth consecutive defensive player from Oklahoma to enter the Hall, a testament to the program's defensive pedigree.
The Hall of Fame selection process, overseen by the National Football Foundation, will culminate in an announcement slated for early 2027. The forthcoming class not only honors individual achievement but also reinforces the cultural impact of collegiate football across the United States, with Oklahoma's representation serving as a focal point for fans and scholars alike.