Three former Florida Gators football legends—defensive linemen Alex Brown and Brad Culpepper, and head coach Urban Meyer—have been nominated for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class, as announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) on June 2, 2025. Their inclusion on the ballot underscores the enduring legacy of the Gators’ football program and its impact on the sport.
Alex Brown: Dominant Defensive Force
Alex Brown, a standout defensive lineman for the Gators from 1998 to 2001, is celebrated for his exceptional pass-rushing ability and defensive prowess. He earned consensus First Team All-American honors in 2001 and was a finalist for both the Lombardi and Nagurski awards during his senior year. Brown was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and was a three-time First Team All-SEC selection. He holds the University of Florida records for both career sacks (33) and single-season sacks (13 in 1999). His contributions were instrumental in the Gators’ defensive success during his tenure.
Brad Culpepper: Scholar-Athlete and Defensive Leader
Brad Culpepper, a defensive tackle from 1988 to 1991, distinguished himself both on the field and in the classroom. A four-year SEC Academic Honor Roll member, Culpepper was a consensus First Team All-American in 1991 and received the prestigious NFF Campbell Trophy® as the nation’s top scholar-athlete. He was a two-time All-SEC selection and played a pivotal role in leading the Gators to their first-ever SEC title in 1991. Culpepper’s combination of academic excellence and athletic performance exemplifies the ideal student-athlete.
Urban Meyer: Architect of Championship Success
Urban Meyer served as the head coach of the Florida Gators from 2005 to 2010, amassing an impressive 65-15 record and leading the team to two national championships (2006 and 2008). Under his leadership, the Gators secured two SEC Championships, three SEC Eastern Division titles, and participated in six consecutive January bowl games, including three BCS bowl games. Meyer’s tenure was marked by a school-record 22-game winning streak and a remarkable 16-game SEC winning streak. His coaching philosophy and success have left a lasting impact on the program and college football as a whole.
A Storied Tradition of Excellence
The University of Florida has a rich history of producing Hall of Fame-caliber talent. With the potential induction of Brown, Culpepper, and Meyer, the Gators would add to their impressive list of 14 Hall of Famers, including legends like Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow, and Danny Wuerffel. The 2026 class, if elected, would further cement Florida’s reputation as a powerhouse in college football.
The official announcement of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame inductees will take place on December 9, 2025, during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas. The honorees will also be celebrated at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute during the 2025 season.