Jan. 19, 2026, 6:13 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
A legendary Georgia Bulldog<\/a> finally got his roses for a wonderful career. Former Georgia<\/a> running back Garrison Hearst was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Hearst will be part of the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, joining 17 players and four coaches in that class.<\/p>\n Hearst shines amongst the many great running backs in Georgia history<\/a>. Through his three-year college career from 1990-92, Hearst ran for 3,232 yards (fifth in Georgia school history) and 33 touchdowns on 543 carries. He also had 43 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns through the air.<\/p>\n He ranks among all the all-time leaders in Georgia school history in rushing yards, all-purpose yards (3,934), and 100-yard rushing games (16). He won the 1990 SEC Freshman Player of the Year and made the All-SEC second-team in 1991, but 1992 would be the best season of his career. He ran for 1,594 yards, which ranks fourth in single-season rushing yards. As a result, he won the Doak Walker award, finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, was named the SEC player of the year and a unanimous All-American, and made first-team All-SEC in 1992.<\/p>\n The Phoenix (now Arizona) Cardinals<\/a> drafted him with the third pick in the 1993 NFL draft, and he had a solid career in the NFL. He made two Pro Bowls (1998, 2001) and was voted 2001 Comeback Player of the Year. Overall, he rushed for 7,966 yards and 30 touchdowns in his outstanding NFL career career.<\/p>\n Georgia hasn’t seen a player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame since Champ Bailey in 2022. Head coach Mark Richt<\/a> was the last Georgia Bulldog to be put in the Hall of Fame in 2023. Regardless, it’s the highest recognition to one of the best running backs in Georgia football history. This year’s Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted on Dec. 8, 2026 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and him and his son Gannon Hearst<\/a>, who is a Georgia Bulldog walk on, will more than likely be in attendance.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a>Garrison Hearst makes the College Football Hall of Fame<\/p>\n Follow UGA Wire on Instagram<\/a> or Threads<\/a> for more college football coverage!<\/p>\n