At a Glance
- Gary Patterson and Bruce Collie are the two North Texans selected for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class announced Tuesday morning on “College Football Live.”
- Patterson coached TCU from 2000-2021 and was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame last September.
- Collie starred at UT-Arlington (1981-84) before a six-year NFL career with the 49ers, Eagles, and Jets.
- The full class features 18 players and 4 coaches, who will be honored December 8 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Why it matters: North Texas football fans can celebrate two local icons joining the sport’s most prestigious shrine, cementing the region’s place in college football history.
Two hometown heroes will take their place among the game’s greats after the National Football Foundation unveiled its 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. TCU’s all-time wins leader Gary Patterson and former UT-Arlington standout Bruce Collie headline the North Texas contingent revealed during ESPN’s “College Football Live” broadcast.
Patterson’s Purple Dynasty
Gary Patterson built TCU into a national power during his 21-year tenure on Fort Worth’s campus. After taking over as head coach in 2000, he guided the Horned Frogs to multiple conference titles and a Rose Bowl victory. His 181 victories remain the most in school history, and last September the university formally enshrined him in its Athletics Hall of Fame.
The NFF selected Patterson as one of only four coaches in the 2026 class. Combined, the quartet owns:
- 5 national championships
- 48 conference championships
- 3 coaches still holding their school’s wins record
From Arlington to the NFL
Before becoming a six-year NFL veteran, offensive lineman Bruce Collie dominated the Southland Conference at UT-Arlington. From 1981-84 he anchored the Mavericks’ line, earning All-America honors and setting benchmarks that still stand. Collie’s collegiate success launched a pro career that saw him suit up for:
- San Francisco 49ers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New York Jets
Collie is one of 18 players in the 2026 class. The group is stacked with talent:
- 11 still hold school records
- 10 were first-round draft picks
- Their careers span seven decades
Selection Process
The NFF whittled the list from a national ballot featuring:
| Category | Finalists |
|---|---|
| FBS players | 79 |
| FBS coaches | 9 |
| Divisional players | 100 |
| Divisional coaches | 35 |
Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and 1989 Hall of Fame inductee, praised the honorees: “Each of these legends ranks among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to adding their incredible accomplishments to those permanently enshrined in the NFF Hall of Fame.”
Induction Details
The 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas will officially welcome the class on:
- Date: December 8, 2025
- Venue: Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
- Tickets: Available now via the NFF website
Key Takeaways
- North Texas claims two of the 22 total 2026 inductees
- Patterson’s 181 TCU wins place him among an elite coaching fraternity
- Collie’s journey from UT-Arlington to the NFL showcases the region’s depth of talent
- The December ceremony will cap a year-long celebration for the newest Hall of Famers
