The Pro Football Hall of Fame has officially released the Modern-Era Semifinalists for the Class of 2026, featuring a star-studded lineup of NFL greats. This year’s group includes record-setting quarterbacks, elite wide receivers, dominant defenders, and one of the greatest kickers in league history. Several first-year eligible players headline the semifinalist list, making this one of the most anticipated Hall of Fame classes in years.
Below is a position-by-position breakdown of the 2026 Hall of Fame semifinalists, including notable achievements and biggest storylines to watch.
Quarterback (QB) Semifinalists
- Drew Brees — First-year eligible; Super Bowl champion and the NFL’s all-time passing yards leader at retirement.
- Eli Manning — Two-time Super Bowl MVP; finalist for Class of 2025.
- Philip Rivers — Ranked sixth all-time in passing yards; eight-time Pro Bowler.
Key Insight: Drew Brees is widely considered a first-ballot lock, while Eli Manning’s postseason success keeps him in strong contention.
Running Back (RB) Semifinalists
- Frank Gore — Third all-time in NFL rushing yards; first-year eligible.
- Fred Taylor — Over 11,000 rushing yards; finalist for Class of 2025.
Key Insight: Frank Gore’s remarkable durability and production make him a strong candidate, while Fred Taylor continues to gain momentum.
Wide Receiver (WR) Semifinalists
- Larry Fitzgerald — Second all-time in receptions and receiving yards; 11-time Pro Bowler; first-year eligible.
- Torry Holt
- Steve Smith Sr.
- Hines Ward
- Reggie Wayne
Key Insight: Larry Fitzgerald is considered a near-lock for first-ballot induction, but competition among elite receivers remains intense.
Tight End (TE) Semifinalist
- Jason Witten — One of the most productive tight ends in NFL history with 1,228 receptions.
Key Insight: Witten’s consistency, longevity, and receiving numbers place him among the all-time greats at his position.
Special Teams (ST)
- Adam Vinatieri (K) — NFL’s all-time leading scorer and owner of several of the greatest postseason kicks of all time.
Key Insight: Vinatieri is strongly positioned to become one of the few specialists in Hall of Fame history.
Offensive Line (OL) Semifinalists
- Willie Anderson
- Lomas Brown
- Jahri Evans
- Richmond Webb
- Steve Wisniewski
- Marshal Yanda
Key Insight: Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda stand out — both widely regarded as among the best at their positions during their prime.
Defensive Line (DL) Semifinalists
- Robert Mathis
- Vince Wilfork
- Kevin Williams
Key Insight: Vince Wilfork, with multiple Super Bowls and dominant interior play, is a strong candidate to advance.
Linebacker (LB) Semifinalists
- Luke Kuechly — First-year eligible; seven-time Pro Bowler, Defensive Player of the Year.
- Terrell Suggs — Over 130 career sacks and former Defensive Player of the Year.
Key Insight: Kuechly’s impact in a relatively short career puts him in serious first-ballot conversation.
Defensive Back (DB) Semifinalists
- Rodney Harrison
- Earl Thomas
- Darren Woodson
Key Insight: Darren Woodson and Earl Thomas remain strong favorites, but Rodney Harrison’s postseason credentials and leadership continue to spark debate.
First-Year Eligible Standouts (Bold Indicated on Graphic)
- Drew Brees
- Frank Gore
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Luke Kuechly
- Adam Vinatieri
- Eli Manning (also Class of 2025 finalist)
These names bring significant media and fan attention, making the Class of 2026 one of the most compelling in recent years.
Early Hall of Fame Predictions
| Player | Position | Induction Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Drew Brees | QB | Very High |
| Larry Fitzgerald | WR | Very High |
| Adam Vinatieri | K | High |
| Luke Kuechly | LB | High |
| Frank Gore | RB | Moderate |
| Jason Witten | TE | Moderate |
What Happens Next?
- The list will be narrowed to 15 finalists.
- Final voting will take place before Super Bowl 60.
- Official inductees will be revealed during the NFL Honors broadcast in February.
Conclusion
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 semifinalist list is loaded with NFL legends who have shaped the modern era of the game. With multiple first-ballot candidates and strong returning finalists, this year’s class promises an exciting and highly debated selection process.