The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was officially announced, revealing the distinguished players set for induction. The class includes notable figures such as tight end Antonio Gates, defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, and cornerback Eric Allen. As a result of this announcement, the eligibility list for potential 2026 inductees has become more defined.

The 2026 class will feature several first-time eligibles, including legendary quarterbacks Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers, and Jason Witten, among others. Specific candidates making their debut on the Hall of Fame ballot for 2026 comprise Frank Gore, Julian Edelman, Maurkice Pouncey, LeSean McCoy, Thomas Davis, Greg Olsen, Alex Smith, Dez Bryant, and Stephen Gostkowski. Additionally, it is important to note that other notable finalists from the recent voting who did not make the Hall include Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri, Steve Smith Sr., Luke Kuechly, and Reggie Wayne.

Among the newcomers, Drew Brees stands out as a likely candidate for induction in 2026. Brees, a 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback, holds remarkable positions in multiple all-time passing categories, ranking second in NFL history for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions, trailing only Tom Brady in these key statistics. His impressive career included leading the league in passing yards for seven seasons and securing a Super Bowl championship with the New Orleans Saints in the 2009 season, where he also received Super Bowl MVP honors. Larry Fitzgerald, another formidable candidate, spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, achieving 11 Pro Bowl selections and proclaiming himself as one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league, with notable statistics including 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards. As the franchise's pivotal figure, Fitzgerald participated in four playoff appearances and was instrumental in the Cardinals' journey to Super Bowl XLIII in 2008. Meanwhile, Eli Manning, who remains a prominent finalist after missing the induction in 2025, holds the 11th position on the NFL's all-time passing list and has secured two Super Bowl championships while earning MVP accolades in both title games. As the 2025 class garners its honors, the anticipation for the 2026 induction class continues to build, highlighting a roster of deserving candidates.