The National Football Foundation this week unveiled the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, a list that spans 80 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision. Among the names that appear on the sheet is the late Mike Leach, whose name resurfaced under revised eligibility rules that now allow coaches to be considered after retirement.
Leach, who died in 2022, built his reputation on a daring, wide‑open offensive scheme that rewrote record books at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State. Over a 21‑year career he posted a .596 winning percentage and finished with a 158‑107 record, a tally that includes numerous upsets over Top 25 opponents and a string of scoring milestones that still stand.
The ballot also brings together a mix of recent stars and veteran architects of the game. Larry Coker, who guided Miami to a national championship in 2001, and Dennis Franchione, a coach known for turning programs around at Alabama and Texas A&M, join Leach on the list. Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III are also among those named, underscoring the blend of on‑field brilliance and coaching impact that the Hall seeks to honor.
Before a name can move to the final vote, it must clear a screening process that verifies eligibility and ensures that each candidate meets the Hall’s standards. Once the pool is trimmed, the NFF Honors Court will cast its ballots, and the ultimate selections will be announced later in the year.
A deeper look at the coaching contingent
The coaching side of the ballot reads like a who’s‑who of modern college football. In addition to Leach, the list includes Ralph Friedgen, Darryl Rogers, Jackie Sherrill and Tommy Tuberville, each of whom left a distinct imprint on the sport through championship runs, innovative schemes or sustained excellence.
The upcoming vote will test how the Hall balances legacy with evolving notions of impact, especially as the sport embraces new offensive philosophies and celebrates players who have become cultural icons. Whatever the outcome, the 2027 class promises to reflect a rich tapestry of contributions that have shaped college football over the past decades.