How many former Auburn players are eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame?

As the National Football Foundation prepares to unveil the Class of 2027 ballot this Monday, Auburn fans are looking to see which of their program's legends will earn a shot at immortality. The 2026 ballot previously featured two former Auburn standouts among the 79 players on the NCAA FBS list: quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Takeo Spikes.

While neither was selected for enshrinement last cycle, the path back to the ballot is never guaranteed. For example, while Spikes remained on the board for the 2026 class, former teammate Ed King fell off, joining a group of candidates who cycle in and out of the conversation.

The Eligibility Landscape

Currently, 26 former Auburn players are eligible for the 2027 ballot, while another 19 alumni meet the criteria for consideration but fall outside the current eligibility window. In total, 45 former Tigers hold the potential to one day be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

To be considered, players must have earned first-team All-American honors from select organizations recognized by the NCAA. Additionally, candidates must wait 10 full seasons after their final college campaign and cannot be active professional athletes. Furthermore, players whose careers concluded more than 50 years ago are generally ineligible for the standard ballot, though they may still be reviewed by the Football Bowl Subdivision Honors Review Committee.

Candidates and Criteria

The eligibility window means players who finished their time at Auburn before 1977 are excluded from the 2027 ballot. Meanwhile, those who played their final season in 2016 or later remain sidelined from consideration due to the 10-year waiting period or ongoing professional careers.

Currently, Auburn boasts nine players already enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, including iconic names like Bo Jackson, Pat Sullivan, and Tracy Rocker. While criteria have evolved, the process remains rigorous, relying on a mix of district screening committees and the votes of more than 12,000 National Football Foundation members.

Notable Auburn Eligible Candidates

The list of former Tigers eligible for the ballot includes a decorated group of stars:

• Aundray Bruce (Linebacker)
• Karlos Dansby (Linebacker)
• Nick Fairley (Defensive tackle)
• Brent Fullwood (Running back)
• Ed King (Guard)
• Tre Mason (Running back)
• Cam Newton (Quarterback)
• Carlos Rogers (Cornerback)
• Takeo Spikes (Linebacker)
• Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams (Running back)

As the NFF Honors Court prepares to review the upcoming class, the focus shifts back to those who defined Auburn football during their time in the orange and blue.