University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Legendary Pitt Defensive Lineman Aaron Donald Elected to College Football Hall of Fame
1/14/2026 1:06:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH— Widely regarded as a generational talent, and one of the best players in college football history, Aaron Donald has earned election to the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, the National Football Foundation announced today.
Selected in his first year of eligibility, Donald becomes the 26th individual associated with Pitt to be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
"Aaron Donald represents everything we value at Pitt: Humility, toughness and an unwavering commitment to excellence," said Athletic Director Allen Greene. "His impact extends far beyond the field and his legacy continues to inspire our student-athletes and our entire community. His selection to the National Football Foundation's 2026 College Football Hall of Fame is a fitting honor for one of the greatest players ever to wear a Pitt uniform and we look forward to celebrating him this December."
Donald, who had his No. 97 retired by the program in 2025, is a Western Pennsylvania native who starred at Penn Hills High School. He twice earned first-team All-State Class AAAA honors before enrolling at Pitt in 2010 and was an immediate contributor for the Panthers. Over the next four seasons, he compiled an incredible 66 tackles for loss, the most by an FBS interior defensive lineman and fourth overall regardless of position, since the NCAA began tracking the statistic in 2000.
As a senior at Pitt in 2013, Donald was an unstoppable force. He led the nation with 28.5 tackles for loss and added 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a blocked extra point. At season's end, Donald was named a unanimous first-team All-American and the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy, and Rotary Lombardi Award, making him one of the most decorated players in Pitt history.
"Aaron set a new standard at Pitt and then carried that standard with him to the highest level of football," said Pitt Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi. "What the world witnessed during his time in the NFL is a direct reflection of who he was right here in Pittsburgh. He was relentless, disciplined, and dominant. He showed everyone what Pitt Football looks like, and he's the blueprint for every player who comes through this program. Aaron Donald is Pitt, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate his College Football Hall of Fame induction."
The ground floor of Pitt's Duratz Athletic Complex was renamed the Aaron Donald Football Performance Center in 2019, following a seven-figure gift Donald made to the Pitt Football Championship Fund. His donation, the largest ever by a Pitt football letterman, continues to support facility improvements, recruiting, technology, and student-athlete development.
Selected by the Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft (13th overall), Donald more than delivered on the lofty expectations placed on a top draft choice. Over 10 professional seasons, he became one of only three players in league history to win three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. Donald was also one of just six unanimous selections to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and helped lead the Rams to two Super Bowls, including a victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Beyond football, Donald founded the AD99 Solutions Foundation, which prepares Pittsburgh's underprivileged youth for lifelong success by providing access to quality education, nutrition, and community involvement.
The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Class members will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2026 season.
In addition to Donald, Pitt's other College Football Hall of Famers (with years associated with Pitt) are: Ruben Brown(1991–94), Len Casanova (1950, coach), Jimbo Covert (1978–82), Averell Daniell (1934–36), Tom Davies (1918–21), Mike Ditka (1958–60), Joseph Donchess (1927–29), Tony Dorsett (1973–76), Larry Fitzgerald (2002–03), Bill Fralic (1981–84), Hugh Green (1977–80), Marshall Goldberg (1936–38), John Majors (1954–56, as a player at Tennessee), Dan Marino (1979–82), Mark May (1977–80), Herb McCracken (1918–20), George McLaren (1915–18), Robert Peck (1913–16), Joe Schmidt (1950–52), Joe Skladany (1931–33), Herb Stein (1918–21), Dr. John B. Sutherland (1914–17 [player], 1924–38 [coach]), Joseph Thompson (1904–06 [player], 1908–12 [coach]), Hube Wagner (1910–13), and Glenn "Pop" Warner (1915–23, coach).
