The 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot has spotlighted two of the University of Georgia’s most distinguished football alumni: Garrison Hearst and Richard Seymour. Their nominations underscore the enduring legacy of Georgia’s football program and the significant contributions these athletes made during their collegiate careers.si.com+4ugawire.usatoday.com+4on3.com+4
Garrison Hearst, a standout running back from 1990 to 1992, left an indelible mark on Georgia football. In his junior year, he led the nation in touchdowns with 21 and averaged an impressive 6.8 yards per carry, surpassing Bo Jackson’s SEC record of 6.4. Hearst also set new SEC records for single-season points scored (126), total touchdowns (21), and rushing touchdowns (19), breaking several of Herschel Walker’s longstanding records. His 1,910 all-purpose yards that season were the second most in SEC history, and he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. His performance earned him the Doak Walker Award and consensus All-American honors. Following his collegiate success, Hearst was selected third overall in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and enjoyed a productive 12-season professional career. en.wikipedia.org+7wgauradio.com+7ugawire.usatoday.com+7en.wikipedia.org+3on3.com+3wgauradio.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3on3.com+3wgauradio.com+3
Richard Seymour, a dominant defensive tackle for the Bulldogs from 1997 to 2000, was known for his formidable presence on the defensive line. In 1999, he led the team with 74 tackles, a rare feat for a defensive lineman at Georgia. Seymour was a two-time All-SEC First-Team selection and earned First-Team All-American honors in 2000. He concluded his college career with 233 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Seymour’s excellence continued into his professional career, where he played 12 seasons in the NFL, won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022. on3.com+1on3.com+1on3.com
The inclusion of Hearst and Seymour on the 2026 ballot brings the number of former Georgia players and coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame to 21. Notable inductees include Herschel Walker, Fran Tarkenton, and Frank Sinkwich, among others. The potential induction of Hearst and Seymour would further cement Georgia’s reputation for producing exceptional football talent.on3.com+4ugawire.usatoday.com+4on3.com+4si.com+4sportskeeda.com+4ugawire.usatoday.com+4
The College Football Hall of Fame, located in Atlanta, serves as a testament to the rich history and tradition of college football. The nominations of Hearst and Seymour not only honor their individual achievements but also highlight the enduring impact of Georgia’s football program on the national stage. As the 2026 induction approaches, fans and alumni eagerly anticipate the potential addition of these two legends to the Hall of Fame’s esteemed roster.
