Two of the best University of Illinois defensive players of all time are on the 2026 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice — selected Nos. 2 and 3 in the 1996 NFL Draft — are among 79 players and nine coaches on the ballot from the Football Bowl Subdivision. Another 100 players and 35 coaches are on the ballot from other collegiate divisions.
Hardy is an all-America pick who was a two-time all-Big Ten first-team pick. The linebacker is among the tops in Illinois history in sacks and tackles for loss. He was picked No. 2 overall in the 1996 NFL Draft and played nine seasons in the league.
Rice is a two-time all-America pick and three-time first-team Big Ten selection. He holds all-time Big Ten marks in sacks and holds the school record for tackles for loss. He was the No. 3 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, the start of a 12-year NFL career.
There are 18 former Illini in the College Football Hall of Fame, the last being defensive tackle Moe Gardner in 2022. He played for the Illini from 1987-90 and then played six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL.
Illini in the College Football Hall of Fame
Here is a list of the University of Illinois players and coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame, according to the school. Listed with position and year of induction.
- Moe Gardner, DT, 2022
- Dana Howard, LB, 2018
- David Williams, WR, 2005
- Al Brosky, DB, 1998
- Jim Grabowski, RB, 1995
- Pete Elliot, coach, 1993
- Bob Blackman, coach, 1987
- Dick Butkus, LB, 1983
- Bernie Shively, G, 1982
- J.C. Caroline, RB, 1980
- Bart Macomber, RB, 1972
- Claude “Buddy” Young, RB, 1968
- Chuck Carney, WR, 1966
- Alex Agase, G, 1963
- George W. Woodruff, coach, 1963
- Harold “Red” Grange, RB, 1951
- Edward K. Hall, coach, 1951
- Robert Zuppke, coach, 1951
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