Fitzgerald, McCoy and Brown Advance in Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection for Class of 2026
10/22/2025 11:59:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt legends Larry Fitzgerald, LeSean McCoy and Ruben Brown have advanced in the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the Hall announced today. The trio is among 52 Modern-Era Players moving on from an initial pool of 128 nominees.
The Hall's Modern-Era Players Screening Committee, formed last year to make the first reduction, voted for up to 50 names to advance, with ties for the 50th position included per bylaws. The 2026 nominee roster comprised 77 offensive, 42 defensive and nine special teams players. Fitzgerald (WR), McCoy (RB) and Brown (OL) each remain under consideration as part of that group.
- Larry Fitzgerald (WR, 2002–03) — 2003 Biletnikoff Award winner, unanimous All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up, Fitzgerald is advancing in his first year of eligibility.
- LeSean McCoy (RB, 2007–08) — One of college football's most dynamic backs during his Pitt tenure, McCoy is also a first-year eligible advancing to the next round.
- Ruben Brown (OL, 1991–94) — A first-team All-American and three-time All-BIG EAST selection at Pitt who went on to nine NFL Pro Bowls, Brown continues in the process at guard.
Each member of the Hall's 50-person Selection Committee will now vote for 25 Semifinalists (plus ties) from the list of 52. The Semifinalists are expected to be announced in about five weeks. Ultimately, 15 Modern-Era Players will join finalists from the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories for consideration at the annual Selection Committee meeting ahead of Super Bowl LX. Enshrinement for the Class of 2026 will be held next August in Canton, Ohio.
For the complete list of 52 Modern-Era Players advancing, visit ProFootballHOF.com.