Mike Leach Posthumously Nominated for 2027 College Football Hall of Fame
June 1, 2026
The National Football Foundation announced the 2027 ballot for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, listing 80 FBS players and nine coaches, along with 99 divisional/NAIA players and 39 coaches.
Mike Leach is nominated for the 2027 Hall of Fame class, posthumously, since he died in 2022 at age 61.
Voting runs through July 1, and the 2027 class will be announced in early 2027.
The list highlights several coaches with notable achievements, including Coker (Miami and UTSA records), Franchione (213 career wins), Friedgen (Maryland ACC title in 2001), Sherrill (notable Pitt and A&M success), and Tuberville (SEC West titles across four programs).
Clemson Wire is cited as the source, with ongoing Clemson coverage from USA TODAY Sports.
Percy Harvin’s three-season totals include 133 receptions for 1,929 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns, plus 194 rushing attempts for 1,852 yards and 19 rushing scores.
Donnell Woolford is highlighted as Clemson’s defensive back standout, two-time First Team All-American, senior consensus in 1988, with school records for career passes defended and two punt return TDs, contributing to three ACC titles.
Schmidt mentored 105 All-MIAA selections and 15 All-Americans; he also served Albion as professor and athletic director before becoming Indiana’s offensive coordinator, stepping away due to lymphoma in 2000.
Leach’s coaching career at Texas Tech (2000–2009) yielded an 84-43 record, multiple nine-win seasons, and an 11-win year in 2008, with his offense shaping notable QBs like Kliff Kingsbury and Graham Harrell.
Leach’s Hall of Fame eligibility was aided by a revised criterion raising the minimum career winning percentage from .600 to .595 starting in 2027, aligning with his 158-107 (.596) record across three schools.
Leach was famed for his innovative offenses and upset victories, including 18 wins over Top 25 teams when unranked.
Eligibility criteria consider a nominee’s ten-year post-career window, first-team All-America honors, and overall achievements and citizenship.
Summary based on 22 sources
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Sources

AP News • Jun 1, 2026
Mike Leach heads ballot for College Football Hall of Fame | AP News
Yahoo Sports • Jun 1, 2026
Offensive mastermind Mike Leach, who died in 2022, heads ballot for College Football Hall of Fame
Bleacher Report • Jun 1, 2026
Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, Mike Leach Headline 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot
247Sports • Jun 1, 2026
Three Former Gators included on 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Ballot