Three Panthers Named Modern-Era Nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
9/24/2025 3:47:00 PM | Football
CANTON—Former Pitt greats Larry Fitzgerald, LeSean McCoy and Ruben Brown have been named Modern-Era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the Hall announced Wednesday. The full list features 128 Modern-Era players, including 13 in their first year of eligibility.
Panthers among the nominees
- Larry Fitzgerald (WR, 2002–03) A 2003 Biletnikoff Award winner, unanimous All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up at Pitt, Fitzgerald is a first-year Hall of Fame candidate.
- LeSean McCoy (RB, 2007–08) A first-year candidate who set multiple Pitt freshman records and totaled 2,816 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns across two seasons with the Panthers.
- Ruben Brown (OL, 1991–94) A first-team All-American and three-time All-BIG EAST selection at Pitt before becoming a nine-time NFL Pro Bowler with Buffalo and Chicago.
What's next in the HOF process
The Hall's Screening Committee will reduce the 128 nominees to 50 semifinalists (plus ties) in mid-October, followed later by a cut to 25 semifinalists and then 15 Modern-Era Player Finalists who will be debated at the annual selection meeting ahead of Super Bowl LX. Enshrinement for the Class of 2026 will take place next August in Canton, Ohio.
For the complete Modern-Era nominee list, visit NFL.com.