FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROOK PARK, OH — The National High School Football Hall of Fame proudly announces 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:
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 Saturday, 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 December 3, 2025, 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
Coaches
Contributors
Media
Save the Dates
December 3, 2025 – Official Class Reveal Press Conference, Brook Park, OH
(Brook Park Community Center)
July 11, 2026 – Class of 2026 Enshrinement Ceremony, Brook Park, OH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National High School Football Hall of Fame Joins Forces with Southern Elite Combine and Zybek Sports for Landmark Event in Mississippi
Ocean Springs, MS – December 14, 2025 – The Southern Elite Combine, one of the nation’s premier showcases for college football prospects, is set to reach new heights with the support of the National High School Football Hall of Fame and Zybek Sports.
On December 14, 2025, Hugh Pepper Field at Greyhound Stadium in Ocean Springs, Mississippi will host the National High School Football Hall of Fame Combine, giving underclassmen athletes the opportunity to prove themselves in front of college coaches, pro scouts, and national media.
Zybek Sports will bring its industry-leading analytics and testing protocols—used at the NFL Combine—to ensure precise evaluation of every athlete. Meanwhile, the National High School Hall of Fame adds national credibility, creating a bigger stage for players who dream of reaching the next level.
The combine will be overseen by Lionel Vital, Executive Director of the National High School Hall of Fame, whose 30-plus years of NFL scouting and front office experience set the gold standard in talent evaluation.
This event also sets the stage for the Inaugural National High School Football Hall of Fame All-American Bowl, scheduled for Biloxi, Mississippi in 2026, offering elite players another chance to showcase their talent in a nationally recognized spotlight.
Details regarding registration, eligibility, and official schedules will be released in the coming weeks.
Legends Football Youth Camp
Presented by Echelon Media Sports
Hosted by Dover High School Football Program
The Hall of Fame Academy:
Where Future Legends Are Made
Unleash Potential, Build Character, and Create a Lasting Impact on the Community.
Tavien St. Clair
The Marcus Dupree National High School Football player of the Year
ABOUT:
The National High School Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2010 by LaMont "ShowBoat" Robinson, a basketball legend and entrepreneur. The mission is to preserve the history and honor of high school football players, coaches, and contributors. The National High School Football Hall of Fame Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization.
PURPOSE:
The National High School Football Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the legacy of exceptional athletes, coaches, and contributors in high school football. Our purpose is to not only celebrate their achievements but also to foster the growth of young talent and inspire the next generation. Through mentorship and educational programs, trade shows, film festivals, camps, 7-on-7 national championships, an enshrinement ceremony, and a charity golf tournament, we aim to create a comprehensive platform that enriches lives, promotes sportsmanship, and perpetuates the spirit of the game.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The National High School Football Hall of Fame:
If you are interested in learning more about this great and much-needed project, you can complete this form.