First-time eligible contenders for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026 and potential inductees outlined, along with speculation on certainty and other strong candidates
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is set to welcome a new class of legends in 2026, a group that promises to be one of the most historically deep in the history of the prestigious institution.
Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Bill Belichick, Frank Gore, and Luke Kuechly are expected to join the ranks of the game's greatest players, coaches, and contributors.
Brees, a first-ballot lock for induction, redefined the quarterback position during his 20-year career. His elite play, combined with a technical mastery of the position, has cemented his place in NFL history [1][2][3].
Fitzgerald, another legendary wide receiver, is expected to make a strong case in his first year of eligibility. Known for his consistent, high-level performance and longevity, Fitzgerald is poised to join the ranks of the game's all-time greats [1][2][3].
Belichick, regarded as one of the greatest NFL coaches ever, is projected to make the class, recognised for his multiple Super Bowl championships and transformative impact on the game as a head coach [2].
Gore, one of the all-time leading rushers in NFL history, is predicted as a likely inductee, possibly on his first or second ballot. His remarkable durability and production have earned him a place among the game's greatest running backs [3][5].
Kuechly, a dominant linebacker renowned for his intelligence and impact on defense, is among the top contenders for first-ballot induction [4].
Other notable players becoming eligible for the first time in 2026 include Todd Gurley, Eli Manning, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Willie Anderson, Adam Vinatieri, and many more [6].
However, not all of these players are guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame. Todd Gurley's career was cut short due to injury, and Eli Manning may need more support to secure his induction [7].
Robert Kraft, despite the Patriots' success during his decades as the team's owner, has been passed over by voters due to allegations of being involved in the biggest cheating scandal in NFL history [8].
Manning, despite not winning a Super Bowl, has a compelling argument for induction. He has an 8-4 record in the postseason and twice as many touchdown passes (18) than interceptions (9) [9].
Schottenheimer never won a Super Bowl, but his teams got close several times and he is one of eight coaches to reach 200 career wins [10].
Coaches are now eligible for induction after one season instead of five seasons, which could open up more opportunities for coaches like Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, and Marty Schottenheimer [11].
Holmgren, who led the Packers to one Super Bowl win and two straight NFC titles, is another coaching candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame [12].
The final inductees will be announced in early 2026, with the ceremony in Canton, Ohio later that summer [3]. Many former players, coaches, and contributors are hoping that their careers will one day be deemed worthy of enshrinement.
References
- ESPN: Drew Brees' Hall of Fame case
- CBSSports: Larry Fitzgerald's Hall of Fame case
- Pro Football Talk: 2026 Hall of Fame class
- The Athletic: Luke Kuechly's Hall of Fame case
- NFL.com: Frank Gore's Hall of Fame case
- Sports Illustrated: 2026 Hall of Fame class
- CBS Sports: Eli Manning's Hall of Fame case
- Boston Globe: Robert Kraft and the Patriots' cheating scandal
- NFL.com: Eli Manning's postseason statistics
- Pro Football Reference: Marty Schottenheimer's career statistics
- ESPN: Coaches now eligible for Hall of Fame after one season
- Pro Football Reference: Mike Holmgren's career statistics
- The upcoming 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is anticipated to be one of the most historically deep, with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Bill Belichick, Frank Gore, and Luke Kuechly expected to join.
- Drew Brees, known for his elite play and mastery of the quarterback position, is a first-ballot lock for induction into the Hall of Fame.
- Larry Fitzgerald, another legendary wide receiver, is expected to present a strong case for induction in his first year of eligibility, boasting consistent high-level performance and longevity.
- Bill Belichick, renowned as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time, is projected to make the class due to his multiple Super Bowl championships and transformative impact on the game.
- One of the all-time leading rushers in NFL history, Frank Gore, is predicted as a likely inductee, possibly on his first or second ballot.
- Luke Kuechly, known for his intelligence and impact on defense, is among the top contenders for a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
