Hall of Fame Ballot Highlights
The 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot has been released, and it includes a distinguished group of former University of Pittsburgh athletes and coaches.
Matt Cavanaugh, who quarterbacked the Panthers from 1975 to 1977, helped guide the program to three bowl victories and was part of the 1976 national championship team.
Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, a dominant running back from 1985 to 1987, posted one of the most impressive rushing seasons in school history, and his legacy extends to his sons, Cameron and Connor Heyward, who are currently playing in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders respectively.
Antonio Bryant, a standout receiver from 1999 to 2001, earned consensus first‑team All‑American honors in 2000 and left a lasting imprint on Pitt’s receiving records.
Jackie Sherrill, who coached the Panthers from 1977 to 1981, compiled a 50‑9‑1 record and the highest winning percentage in school history, steering the team to four Top‑10 finishes, including a No. 2 final ranking in 1980 and a No. 4 finish in 1981.
Induction Details
The announcement of the 2027 Hall of Fame class will be made in early 2027, with the inductees set to be honored at the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas and later enshrined at the Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
The National Football Foundation, a key organizer of the Hall of Fame, and the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame both celebrate these achievements, underscoring the university’s enduring impact on college football.