2026 LIST OF NOMINEES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOM BRADY, DEION SANDERS, JASON KELCE, JOHN HEISMAN, AND LEBRON JAMES HEADLINE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 2026 NOMINEES


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:

  • Tom Brady (San Mateo, CA) – 7-time Super Bowl Champion
  • Deion Sanders (Fort Myers, FL) – NFL Hall of Famer & two-sport icon
  • Jason Kelce (Cleveland Heights, OH) – Beloved NFL center and community leader
  • John W. Heisman (Titusville, PA) – Namesake of college football’s most prestigious award
  • LeBron James (Akron, OH) – NBA legend and dominant high school wide receiver


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.”

2026 ENSHRINEMENT CEREMONY SET FOR JULY 11 IN BROOK PARK, OHIO


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

  1. Jerome Bettis – Mackenzie HS (Detroit, MI)
  2. Adam Bostick – Jeannette HS (Jeannette, PA)
  3. Brian Bosworth – MacArthur HS (Irving, TX)
  4. Tom Brady – Junipero Serra HS (San Mateo, CA)
  5. Terry Bradshaw – Woodlawn HS (Shreveport, LA)
  6. Drew Brees – Westlake HS (Austin, TX)
  7. Ryan Clark – Archbishop Shaw HS (Marrero, LA)
  8. Maurice Clarett – Warren G. Harding HS (Warren, OH)
  9. Cris Carter – Middletown HS (Middletown, OH)
  10. Randy Crowder – Farrell HS (Farrell, PA)
  11. Channing Crowder – North Springs HS (Sandy Springs, GA)
  12. Tony Dorsett – Hopewell HS (Aliquippa, PA)
  13. Doug Flutie – Natick HS (Natick, MA)
  14. Charles Follis – Wooster HS (Wooster, OH)
  15. Otto Graham – Waukegan HS (Waukegan, IL)
  16. Cookie Gilchrist – Har-Brack HS (Natrona Heights, PA)
  17. Guye Goodlow – Renaissance HS (Detroit, MI)
  18. Robert Griffin III – Copperas Cove HS (Copperas Cove, TX)
  19. Woody Hayes – Newcomerstown HS (Newcomerstown, OH)
  20. John W. Heisman – Titusville HS (Titusville, PA)
  21. Michael Irvin – Piper HS (Sunrise, FL)
  22. LeBron James – St. Vincent–St. Mary HS (Akron, OH)
  23. Jason Kelce – Cleveland Heights HS (Cleveland, OH)
  24. Jim Kelly – East Brady HS (East Brady, PA)
  25. Dan Marino – Central Catholic HS (Pittsburgh, PA)
  26. Clay Matthews Jr. – New Trier HS (Winnetka, IL)
  27. Terrence Metcalf – Clarksdale HS (Clarksdale, MS)
  28. Joe Namath – Beaver Falls HS (Beaver Falls, PA)
  29. Cam Newton – Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA)
  30. Ozzie Newsome – Colbert County HS (Leighton, AL)
  31. Greg Pruitt – BC Elmore HS (Houston, TX)
  32. Ben Roethlisberger – Findlay HS (Findlay, OH)
  33. Deion Sanders – North Fort Myers HS (Fort Myers, FL)
  34. Barry Sanders – Wichita North HS (Wichita, KS)
  35. Mike Singletary – Evan E. Worthing HS (Houston, TX)
  36. Bruce Smith – Booker T. Washington HS (Norfolk, VA)
  37. Emmitt Smith – Escambia HS (Pensacola, FL)
  38. Thurman Thomas – Willowridge HS (Houston, TX)
  39. Johnny Unitas – St. Justin’s HS (Pittsburgh, PA)
  40. Dante Wiley – Jeannette HS (Jeannette, PA)


Coaches

  1. Don Bucci – Cardinal Mooney HS (Youngstown, OH)
  2. Al Fracassa – Brother Rice HS (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
  3. Bob Ladouceur – De La Salle HS (Concord, CA)
  4. Lee Tressel – Massillon HS (Massillon, OH)
  5. Joe Vadini – Brecksville HS (Brecksville, OH)
  6. Tommy Reamon Sr. – Newport News HS (Newport News, VA)


Contributors

  1. Dr. Ted Ball – Bellevue HS (Team Physician)
  2. Andrew Stockey – Simsbury HS (Player and Sports Anchor, WTAE)
  3. Ralph Wilson Jr. – NFL Buffalo Bills Owner and Philanthropist


Media

  1. Inside High School Sports
  2. Sports Stars of Tomorrow
  3. ESPN


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.

WHY WE SHOULD PRESERVE THE LEGACY

In partnership with:

Help us preserve the LEGACY of high school football today!

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

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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 mission of the National High School Football Hall of Fame Foundation is to inspire, educate, and empower youth aged 8–18 through comprehensive programs that promote physical and mental well-being, explore the rich history of sports, harness the potential of technology, and provide valuable resources for parents navigating the evolving landscape of youth sports. We aim to foster a love of the game while instilling important life skills and values. We strive to create an inclusive and competitive environment that celebrates athletic excellence and promotes personal growth. Together, we envision a future where young athletes thrive both on and off the field.

The National High School Football Hall of Fame:

  • Coaches Room
  • Walk of Fame 
  • Halls of Honor   
  • Football Theater/Media Room
  • Memorabilia & Gift Shop  
  • All-American Football Cafe 
  • Offices

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about this great and much-needed project, you can complete this form.