IRVING, Texas (June 2, 2025) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today the names on the 2026 Ballot under consideration for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, including two former Big Sky football standouts still on the ballot.
Idaho State's Case deBruijn and Northern Arizona's Archie Amerson were named to the 2026 ballot on Monday, with deBruijn first being name on the ballot in 2020 and Amerson first receiving consideration in 2021. On the list were 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks.
Idaho State's deBruijn was a member of the 1981 National Championship Team for the Bengals and led the nation twice in punting. He was a First Team All-American in 1981 and his season average of 45.9 per attempt ranks third all-time in the FCS.
NAU's Amerson is a member of the Big Sky Hall of Fame and was a First Team All-American and Walter Payton Award recipient in 1996. Amerson, who is the career rushing leader for the Lumberjacks, racked up 3,196 yards in only two seasons for NAU.
The ballot was emailed to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current NFF Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Court, which will deliberate and select the class. (Individuals can cast a vote this year by
clicking here to become an NFF member.)
The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future.
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, and they will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2026 season.
The 2026 voting deadline is
July 1. If you would like to become a member and receive this year's ballot, please contact NFF Director of Membership
Ron Dilatush at
rdilatush@footballfoundation.com.
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College Football Hall of Fame Members (Big Sky Only)
Randy Trautman, DL, Boise State* (1978-81)
John Friesz, QB, Idaho (1986-89)
Dave Dickenson, QB, Montana (1992-95)
Bill Kollar, DT, Montana State (1971-73)
Chis Ault, Head Coach, Nevada* (1976-92, 1994-95, 2004-12)
Frank Hawkins, RB, Nevada* (1977-80)
* - Former Big Sky Member School