These are the 15 finalists for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame

The road to Canton is officially narrowing. On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 15 Modern-Era Player Finalists for the Class of 2026, bringing some of the most recognizable names in NFL history one step closer to enshrinement.

The finalists will be considered by the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee when it meets ahead of Super Bowl LX, with the official Class of 2026 set to be revealed on February 5 during the “NFL Honors presented by Invisalign” broadcast from San Francisco.

Notable returning and first-time finalists

Four players - Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri - advanced automatically after reaching the final seven in last year’s voting for the Class of 2025.

They are joined by six additional finalists from a year ago, four players appearing on the finalist list for the first time, and one candidate making his first appearance as a finalist in his sixth year of eligibility.

The group includes Super Bowl champions, MVPs, all-time statistical leaders and players widely regarded as among the best ever at their positions.

Full list of Modern-Era Player Finalists

Modern-Era Player Finalists (Class of 2026):

• Willie Anderson, Tackle (1996–2007 Bengals; 2008 Ravens)
• Drew Brees, Quarterback (2001–05 Chargers; 2006–2020 Saints)
• Jahri Evans, Guard (2006–2016 Saints; 2017 Packers)
• Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver (2004–2020 Cardinals)
• Frank Gore, Running Back (2005–2020; 49ers, Colts, Dolphins, Bills, Jets)
• Torry Holt, Wide Receiver (1999–2009; Rams, Jaguars)
• Luke Kuechly, Linebacker (2012–2019 Panthers)
• Eli Manning, Quarterback (2004–2019 Giants)
• Terrell Suggs, OLB/DE (2003–2019; Ravens, Cardinals, Chiefs)
• Adam Vinatieri, Kicker (1996–2019; Patriots, Colts)
• Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver (2001–2014 Colts)
• Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle (2003–2015; Vikings, Seahawks, Saints)
• Jason Witten, Tight End (2003–2020; Cowboys, Raiders)
• Darren Woodson, Safety (1992–2003 Cowboys)
• Marshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle (2007–2019 Ravens)

How the voting works

The Selection Committee may elect up to five Modern-Era Players for the Class of 2026. Each candidate must receive at least 80 percent of the vote to earn induction.

In addition to the Modern-Era finalists, five other candidates are also under consideration through separate voting:

• Seniors Finalists: Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood
• Coach Finalist: Bill Belichick
• Contributor Finalist: Robert Kraft

Between one and three individuals from those categories may be elected under current Hall of Fame bylaws.

Overall, the rules stipulate that between four and eight total members will be selected for each class.

This year’s finalist group was narrowed down from an initial pool of 128 nominees, reduced first to 52, then to 26 semifinalists, before being trimmed to the final 15. The process is overseen by Ernst & Young LLP, which validates ballots and ensures voting procedures align with Hall of Fame bylaws.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be officially announced during NFL Honors in February and formally enshrined in August in Canton, Ohio.

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