Colt McCoy’s record-breaking arm and Casey Hampton’s defensive dominance headline a prestigious list of nominees, bringing two iconic Longhorns to the brink of college football immortality.
The University of Texas added two more reasons to celebrate its rich football tradition this week as legendary quarterback Colt McCoy and dominant defensive tackle Casey Hampton were officially named to the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.
The announcement places two of the most accomplished players in program history one step closer to receiving college football's highest individual honor.
For Longhorn fans, the recognition comes as little surprise.
McCoy remains one of the most decorated players ever to wear burnt orange. During his four-year career from 2006-09, he helped lead Texas to unprecedented success, compiling a remarkable 45-8 record as a starting quarterback while rewriting the school's record book.
By the time he left Austin, McCoy held dozens of program records such as all-time passing yards and touchdowns, and had established himself as one of the greatest signal-callers in college football history.
READ MORE: Texas Eyes 2028 Elite Two-Way Star CB/WR
He also guided Texas to four consecutive 10-win seasons and helped lead the Longhorns to the 2009 national championship game appearance. Even years after his playing career ended, his No. 12 jersey remains one of the most iconic numbers in Texas football history.
Hampton's impact on the Forty Acres was just as significant, though it came on the defensive side of the ball. The massive defensive tackle anchored some of the best defenses Texas fielded during the late 1990s and early 2000s. A two-time first-team All-American and the 2000 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Hampton consistently overwhelmed opposing offensive lines with a combination of strength, quickness, and relentless effort.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Hampton's college career was his production. He became the first defensive lineman in school history to lead the team in tackles in consecutive seasons and finished his Longhorn career with 329 tackles and 54 tackles for loss. His dominance at Texas translated into a stellar NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won two Super Bowls and earned five Pro Bowl selections.
The National Football Foundation's ballot includes 80 former FBS players and nine coaches, highlighting just how competitive the selection process is. If elected, McCoy and Hampton would join an elite group of Longhorn legends already enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame and further strengthen Texas' standing as one of college football's premier programs.
The Hall of Fame's 2027 class is expected to be announced in early 2027.
