National High School Football Hall of Fame announces nominees for Class of 2026
The National High School Football Hall of Fame has announced its 52 powerhouse nominees for the Class of 2026 — a legendary lineup of players, coaches, media members, and contributors whose football legacies began under the Friday night lights.
This year’s high-profile nominees include:
Tom Brady (San Mateo, CA) – 7-time Super Bowl Champion Deion Sanders (Fort Myers, FL) – NFL Hall of Famer & two-sport icon Jason Kelce (Cleveland Heights, OH) – Beloved NFL center and community leader John W. Heisman (Titusville, PA) – Namesake of college football’s most prestigious award LeBron James (Akron, OH) – NBA legend and dominant high school wide receiver
Also among the nominees are Cleveland Browns greats Otto Graham, Clay Matthews Jr., Greg Pruitt, and Ozzie Newsome, alongside dozens of football legends from across the country.
“This class reflects the roots and richness of American football,” said LaMont Robinson, Founder & CEO of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. “Their legacies began in high school—and we’re here to honor that foundation.”
The 2026 Enshrinement Ceremony will be held on Sat., July 11, 2026, in Brook Park, Ohio, following the Hall’s historic relocation from Canton.
The official Class of 2026 Inductees will be announced during a national press conference on Dec. 3 at the Brook Park Community Center. The event will also include the unveiling of updated plans for the Hall’s state-of-the-art permanent facility in Brook Park.
2026 NOMINEES – FULL LIST
Players
Jerome Bettis – Mackenzie HS (Detroit, MI) Adam Bostick – Jeannette HS (Jeannette, PA) Brian Bosworth – MacArthur HS (Irving, TX) Tom Brady – Junipero Serra HS (San Mateo, CA) Terry Bradshaw – Woodlawn HS (Shreveport, LA) Drew Brees – Westlake HS (Austin, TX) Ryan Clark – Archbishop Shaw HS (Marrero, LA) Maurice Clarett – Warren G. Harding HS (Warren, OH) Cris Carter – Middletown HS (Middletown, OH) Randy Crowder – Farrell HS (Farrell, PA) Channing Crowder – North Springs HS (Sandy Springs, GA) Tony Dorsett – Hopewell HS (Aliquippa, PA) Doug Flutie – Natick HS (Natick, MA) Charles Follis – Wooster HS (Wooster, OH) Otto Graham – Waukegan HS (Waukegan, IL) Cookie Gilchrist – Har-Brack HS (Natrona Heights, PA) Guye Goodlow – Renaissance HS (Detroit, MI) Robert Griffin III – Copperas Cove HS (Copperas Cove, TX) Woody Hayes – Newcomerstown HS (Newcomerstown, OH) John W. Heisman – Titusville HS (Titusville, PA) Michael Irvin – Piper HS (Sunrise, FL) LeBron James – St. Vincent–St. Mary HS (Akron, OH) Jason Kelce – Cleveland Heights HS (Cleveland, OH) Jim Kelly – East Brady HS (East Brady, PA) Dan Marino – Central Catholic HS (Pittsburgh, PA) Clay Matthews Jr. – New Trier HS (Winnetka, IL) Terrence Metcalf – Clarksdale HS (Clarksdale, MS) Joe Namath – Beaver Falls HS (Beaver Falls, PA) Cam Newton – Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA) Ozzie Newsome – Colbert County HS (Leighton, AL) Greg Pruitt – BC Elmore HS (Houston, TX) Ben Roethlisberger – Findlay HS (Findlay, OH) Deion Sanders – North Fort Myers HS (Fort Myers, FL) Barry Sanders – Wichita North HS (Wichita, KS) Mike Singletary – Evan E. Worthing HS (Houston, TX) Bruce Smith – Booker T. Washington HS (Norfolk, VA) Emmitt Smith – Escambia HS (Pensacola, FL) Thurman Thomas – Willowridge HS (Houston, TX) Johnny Unitas – St. Justin’s HS (Pittsburgh, PA) Dante Wiley – Jeannette HS (Jeannette, PA)
Coaches
Don Bucci – Cardinal Mooney HS (Youngstown, OH) Al Fracassa – Brother Rice HS (Bloomfield Hills, MI) Bob Ladouceur – De La Salle HS (Concord, CA) Lee Tressel – Massillon HS (Massillon, OH) Joe Vadini – Brecksville HS (Brecksville, OH) Tommy Reamon Sr. – Newport News HS (Newport News, VA)
Contributors
Dr. Ted Ball – Bellevue HS (Team Physician) Andrew Stockey – Simsbury HS (Player and Sports Anchor, WTAE) Ralph Wilson Jr. – NFL Buffalo Bills Owner and Philanthropist
Media
Inside High School Sports Sports Stars of Tomorrow ESPN