Football

Four Hall of Famers with ACC Affiliations Headline 2026 Class

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class during ESPN’s College Football Live on ESPN2 on Wednesday, January 14. The class includes four players representing current Atlantic Coast Conference programs.
  • Aaron Donald, defensive tackle, Pitt (2010-13)
  • Marvin Harrison, wide receiver and kick returner, Syracuse (1992-95)
  • Herman Moore, wide receiver, Virginia (1988-90)
  • Peter Warrick, wide receiver, Florida State (1996-99)
“On behalf of the ACC, congratulations to the remarkable individuals selected to the 2026 National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame class, including Aaron Donald of Pitt, Marvin Harrison of Syracuse, Herman Moore of Virginia and Peter Warrick of Florida State,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “These former outstanding student-athletes not only achieved extraordinary success on the field but also made an indelible impact on their respective programs, universities and communities. We look forward to celebrating these individuals throughout the year and at this year’s induction ceremony in December.”
 
The 18 First Team All-America players and four standout coaches in the 2026 Class were selected from the national ballot of 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks.
 
The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8, 2026, at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Tickets are available at https://NFF2026.givesmart.com.
 
The inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the fall. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Each inductee will receive a custom ring created by Jostens, the official and exclusive supplier of NFF rings.
 

Below is courtesy of the National Football Foundation.
 
Aaron Donald
University of Pittsburgh
Defensive Tackle * 2010-13
  • Redefined the position of defensive tackle during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, emerging as one of the most accomplished defensive linemen in college football history.
  • A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native, he becomes the 21st Panthers player to be inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame.
  • Delivered one of the most decorated individual seasons in college football history in 2013, earning unanimous First-Team All-America honors while sweeping the sport’s top defensive awards, including the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies.
  • Became the first Pitt player to win four major national awards in a single season and the program’s first defensive national award winner since NFF Hall of Famer Hugh Green in 1980.
  • Finished the 2013 season, leading the NCAA with 28.5 tackles-for-loss and averaging an astounding 2.2 tackles-for-loss per game.
  • Was named the 2013 ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
  • A two-time First-Team All-Conference (2013, 2012) pick and a Second-Team All-Conference (2011) selection.
  • A two-time team captain and recipient of Pitt’s prestigious Panther Award.
  • Etched his name throughout the Panthers’ record book, as Pitt’s all-time leader in career tackles-for-loss (66), single-season tackles-for-loss (28.5 in 2013) and single-game tackles-for-loss (six against Georgia Tech in 2013).
  • Over his career, he totaled 181 tackles, 66 tackles-for-loss, 29.5 sacks and six forced fumbles.
  • He guided the Panthers to four consecutive bowl appearances, including victories at the 2011 BBVA Compass Bowl and the 2013 Little Caesars Bowl, where he was tabbed the Most Valuable Lineman.
  • He also helped Pitt claim a share of the 2010 Big East Title.
  • Selected 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Rams, he spent his entire 10-year professional career with the franchise, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors three times, eight First-Team All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowl nods.
  • He helped the Rams to a victory in Super Bowl LVI.
  • Currently resides in Wexford, Pennsylvania, where he serves as co-owner of Ready Nutrition.
  • In 2019, he established the AD99 Solutions Foundation to help connect underserved youth and communities with critical resources and opportunities.
  • In recognition of his lasting impact, Pitt renamed the ground floor of the Duratz Athletic Complex the “Aaron Donald Football Performance Center” following his contribution to the Pitt Football Championship Fund.
  • He was inducted into the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025.
 
Marvin Harrison
Syracuse University
Kick Returner/Wide Receiver * 1992-95
  • One of the most dynamic playmakers in Syracuse history, excelling as both a wide receiver and kick returner.
  • Led Syracuse to postseason victories following the 1992 and 1995 seasons.
  • A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Harrison becomes the 11th Orange player inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame.
  • Earned First-Team All-America honors as a kick returner in 1995 from the FWAA and The Sporting News.
  • Named Big East Special Teams Player of the Year in 1995.
  • Set the Big East record with a 94-yard punt return touchdown against Minnesota in 1995.
  • Ranks among Big East all-time leaders in 100-yard receiving games (tied for third, 13), receiving touchdowns (tied for ninth, 20), and punt return touchdowns (tied for ninth, two).
  • A two-time First-Team All-Big East selection (1994, 1995) and Second-Team All-Big East honoree (1993).
  • Finished his Syracuse career as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,728) and second in receiving touchdowns (20).
  • Served as team captain and team MVP as a senior.
  • Holds Syracuse records for career 100-yard receiving games (13) and bowl-game receptions (seven) and receiving yards (173), set in the 1996 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
  • Concluded his collegiate career with 135 receptions for 2,728 yards and 20 touchdowns, plus 542 punt return yards and two return touchdowns; added 127 rushing yards and one touchdown.
  • Helped Syracuse compile a 32-13-1 record during his four-year career, including two major bowl victories and two top-20 national finishes.
  • Played a key role in Syracuse’s wins over Colorado in the 1993 Fiesta Bowl and Clemson in the 1996 Gator Bowl.
  • Selected in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts and played his entire 13-year NFL career with the franchise.
  • Earned eight Pro Bowl selections, six All-Pro honors, and won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts.
  • Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
  • Currently resides in the Philadelphia area, working in real estate development and remaining active in youth and community initiatives.
 
Herman Moore
University of Virginia
Wide Receiver * 1988-90
  • Emerged as one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football history, helping transform Virginia football and elevate the Cavaliers to national prominence.
  • A native of Danville, Virginia, Moore becomes the sixth Virginia player inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame.
  • A consensus First-Team All-American in 1990 who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
  • Played a central role in Virginia’s rise to its first No. 1 national ranking and a berth in the Sugar Bowl.
  • Holds the NCAA record for highest average gain per reception (22.0) among players with at least 105 career catches.
  • Recorded a touchdown reception in nine consecutive games during the 1990 season, the most in a single season in NCAA history.
  • Helped guide Virginia to its first-ever New Year’s Day bowl appearance in the Citrus Bowl following the 1989 season.
  • The Cavaliers posted a 22–6 record during his three-year career in Charlottesville.
  • Played under NFF Hall of Fame coach George Welsh and helped Virginia earn a share of the 1989 ACC Championship.
  • Earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 1990 while setting ACC single-season records for receiving yards (1,190), receiving yards per game (108.2) and receiving touchdowns (13).
  • Finished his career as Virginia’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,504), receiving touchdowns (27) and 100-yard receiving games (eight).
  • Holds Virginia single-season records for receiving yards (1,190) and touchdowns (13), both set in 1990.
  • A two-sport standout who also set Virginia’s all-time high jump record at 7 feet, 2.5 inches.
  • Selected in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
  • Played 11 seasons in the NFL (1991-2002), including 10 with Detroit and one with the New York Giants.
  • Earned four Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors during his professional career.
  • Currently serves as president and CEO of Team84 LLC, a marketing agency specializing in print management and promotional solutions.
  • Founded The Herman Moore Tackle Life Foundation, which provides essential life skills and experiences for young people.
  • Had his No. 87 retired by Virginia and has been inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the Detroit Lions Ring of Honor.
  • Named to the 2018 ACC Legends Class.
 
Peter Warrick
Florida State University
Wide Receiver * 1996-99
  • Emerged as one of the era’s most dynamic playmakers while helping power one of the greatest runs in college football history, with Florida State never finishing ranked lower than No. 3 during his four seasons.
  • A native of Bradenton, Florida, Warrick becomes the 10th Florida State player inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame.
  • A two-time First-Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1998 and unanimous recognition in 1999.
  • Played a central role in Florida State’s four-year stretch of national dominance, during which the Seminoles compiled a 45-4 record and never finished outside the top three nationally.
  • Played for NFF Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden and alongside NFF Hall of Fame teammate Warrick Dunn.
  • Helped lead Florida State to four consecutive bowl appearances and two national championship game berths, including the 1999 national title.
  • Delivered one of the most memorable postseason performances in college football history in the 2000 Sugar Bowl, scoring a bowl-record 20 points and earning Most Valuable Player honors.
  • Helped Florida State become the first team to go wire-to-wire as No. 1 in the AP Poll en route to the national championship.
  • Led Florida State to four straight ACC championships while earning First-Team All-ACC honors twice as a receiver (1998, 1999) and once as a specialist (1999).
  • Finished his career as the ACC’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,517 at the time) and ranked second in touchdown receptions (31).
  • Led the ACC in 1999 in receptions per game (7.9), receiving yards per game (103.8), and punt return average (12.6).
  • Served as a team captain in 1999.
  • Departed Florida State as the school’s career leader in receiving touchdowns and ranked among the top three in nearly every major receiving category in program history.
  • Finished his collegiate career with 207 receptions for 3,517 yards and 32 touchdowns.
  • Added 188 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, passed for 95 yards and two touchdowns, and totaled 937 punt return yards and two return touchdowns.
  • Selected fourth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Played six NFL seasons with the Bengals and Seattle Seahawks.
  • Named to the ACC 50th Anniversary Team.
  • Had his Florida State jersey retired in 2018 and was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame (2010) and Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame (2022).
  • Currently resides in Douglasville, Georgia, where he runs the Payton Warrick Foundation, supporting children born with disabilities in honor of his son.

2026 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS
 
PLAYERS:
  • Jerry Azumah, RB (1995-98) – University of New Hampshire
  • Ki-Jana Carter, RB (1991-94) – Penn State University
  • Bruce Collie, OT (1981-84) – University of Texas at Arlington
  • George Cumby, LB (1976-79) – University of Oklahoma
  • Aaron Donald, DT (2010-13) – University of Pittsburgh
  • Marvin Harrison, KR/WR (1992-95) – Syracuse University
  • Garrison Hearst, RB (1990-92) – University of Georgia
  • Chris Hudson, DB (1991-94) – University of Colorado
  • Mark Ingram, RB (2008-10) – University of Alabama
  • Olin Kreutz, C (1995-97) – University of Washington
  • James Laurinaitis, LB (2005-08) – Ohio State University
  • Jordan Lynch, AP/QB (2010-13) – Northern Illinois University
  • Herman Moore, WR (1988-90) – University of Virginia
  • Terence Newman, CB (1999-2002) – Kansas State University
  • Bob Novogratz, OG (1957-58) – United States Military Academy
  • Ndamukong Suh, DT (2006-09) – University of Nebraska
  • Peter Warrick, WR (1996-99) – Florida State University
  • Eric Weddle, S (2003-06) – University of Utah
 
COACHES:
  • Jim Margraff*: 221-89-3 (71.1%) – Johns Hopkins University [MD] (1990-2018)
  • Gary Patterson: 181-79-0 (69.6%) – Texas Christian University (2000-21)
  • Chris Petersen: 147-38-0 (79.5%) – Boise State University (2006-13); University of Washington (2014-19)
  • Ken Sparks*: 338-99-2 (77.2%) – Carson-Newman University [TN] (1980-2016) 
*Deceased