From Larry Coker to Dez Bryant to Rocky Calmus and Josh Heupel, the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot is flush with Oklahoma connections.
Bryant, the star receiver from Oklahoma State, is among the most prominent names on the ballot released Monday by the National Football Foundation. He concluded his three-year OSU career with 2,425 yards and 29 touchdowns on 147 catches, the majority of which came in his stellar sophomore season of 2008.
Calmus, a Jenks native who was a two-time All-American linebacker at OU, was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year on the Sooners’ 2000 national championship team and won the Butkus Award in 2001.Â
Heupel played just two seasons at OU, but left as the record-holder in a bevy of passing categories, leading OU to the 2000 national championship and winning the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
Coker became best known for leading the Miami Hurricanes to the 2001 national title, but the Okemah native got his first coaching job at Fairfax High School and had stints as the offensive coordinator at OU, OSU and Tulsa.  Â
The inductees in the 2026 class will be announced early next year.
Here’s a look at everyone with Oklahoma ties on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot:
FBS players and coaches Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State Wide Receiver
A consensus First Team All-American in 2008 and finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. The 2008 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year who earned First Team All-Big 12 honors as both a receiver and return specialist the same season. Led the conference in scoring (126 points), receiving yards per game (113.8) and punt return average (17.9) during prolific sophomore season.
Rocky Calmus, Oklahoma Linebacker
Two-time consensus First Team All-American and 2001 Butkus Award winner. OU’s all-time leader in tackles for loss (59), helped Sooners to the BCS National Championship at the 2001 Orange Bowl. Was the 2000 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Big 12 performer posted 431 career tackles.
George Cumby, Oklahoma Linebacker
Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1979. Two-time Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year and member of four Big Eight championship teams. Finished career ranked second all-time in OU history with 437 tackles, despite playing fullback his first season.
Josh Heupel, Oklahoma Quarterback
A 2000 consensus First Team All-American and Walter Camp Player of the Year. The 2000 Heisman Trophy runner-up who led the Sooners to a national title at the 2001 Orange Bowl as the 2000 Big 12 Player of the Year. Left OU with virtually every school passing record despite only playing two seasons.
Larry Coker, Coach (Miami, UTSA)
Posted a 60-15 record at Miami, including an astounding 35-3 record in his first three seasons. Led the Hurricanes to consecutive BCS Championship Games, winning at the 2002 Rose Bowl and becoming the first rookie head coach to lead his team to a national title since 1948. Led Miami to three Big East crowns and orchestrated a dominant 2001 offense that set a Big East record with 475 points scored in the regular season.
Divisional-level candidates John Fitzgerald, Central Oklahoma Offensive Guard
First Team All-American who blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers in 1998. Led UCO to 1998 undefeated season and No. 1 final ranking. Only three-time All-American since UCO joined the NCAA.Â
Timothy Flanders, Sam Houston State Running Back
The Midwest City High School product was a three time All-American, two-time Southland Player of the Year and only back ever to lead the league in rushing four consecutive seasons. All-time career leader in rushing and scoring in Southland and SHSU record books.
Randy Page, Central Oklahoma Quarterback
Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1983 and earned Second Team NAIA All-America honors in 1982. Led UCO to an NAIA National Championship in 1982. Broke 14 school records.