Get ready to celebrate, football fans, because history has been made! For only the second time ever, the University of Utah is sending one of its own to the College Football Hall of Fame, and this time it’s none other than the legendary safety, Eric Weddle. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Weddle’s induction into the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Utah’s football program, following in the footsteps of former quarterback Alex Jensen, who earned the honor in 2024.
Announced on Wednesday, Weddle joins an elite group of 18 former players and four coaches honored by the National Football Foundation. His reaction? Pure joy. “College Football Hall of Famer!!!! Has a nice ring to it,” Weddle shared on social media platform X, reflecting on his time at Utah with gratitude. “So grateful for my experience at UTAH, the relationships I have that will last a lifetime. This recognition only happens with amazing teammates, coaches, family, and friends that pushed for great things.”
But this isn’t just a story about accolades—it’s about a journey that began as a “little punk California kid” and transformed into a 14-year NFL career, capped by a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams. “Never did I think I was gonna play college football, and never did I think I was gonna be fortunate enough to play in the NFL,” Weddle admitted. “So for all this to happen, it’s kind of like I’m still living a dream in a sense, and it just keeps getting better and better each day I wake up.”
And this is the part most people miss: Weddle wasn’t just a standout player at Utah—he was a game-changer. Named a consensus first-team All-American in 2006, he was a cornerstone of Utah’s undefeated 2004 season, earning the title of a “BCS buster” under the guidance of fellow Hall of Famer Urban Meyer. His impact was so profound that he holds Utah’s record for career forced fumbles (nine) and ranks second in career interceptions (18). Oh, and did we mention he’s the only player in Utah history to score on back-to-back plays from scrimmage?
Weddle’s collegiate stats are nothing short of impressive: 277 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 23 pass breakups, and six fumble recoveries. But he wasn’t just a defensive powerhouse—he also contributed offensively, rushing for 259 yards and six touchdowns on 52 attempts, and even recording a passing touchdown.
After Utah, Weddle’s NFL career was equally stellar, with six Pro Bowl selections and stints with the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Rams. Now, in retirement, he’s giving back to the game as the head coach of Rancho Bernardo High’s football program, where his son, Gaige, a projected five-star recruit, plays quarterback and safety.
But here’s the controversial question: With Weddle’s success as a high school coach and his expressed interest in returning to Utah as a position coach, could we see him back on the collegiate sidelines soon? Especially with former teammate Morgan Scalley now at the helm as Utah’s head coach, the possibility is tantalizing. What do you think—should Weddle make the leap back to college football? Let us know in the comments!
Weddle’s induction will take place on December 8, 2026, during the 68th NFF awards dinner in Las Vegas, where he’ll join a class that includes legends like Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the full list of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class:
Players:
- Jerry Azumah, RB (1995-98) – University of New Hampshire
- Ki-Jana Carter, RB (1991-94) – Penn State University
- Bruce Collie, OT (1981-84) – University of Texas at Arlington
- George Cumby, LB (1976-79) – University of Oklahoma
- Aaron Donald, DT (2010-13) – University of Pittsburgh
- Marvin Harrison, KR/WR (1992-95) – Syracuse University
- Garrison Hearst, RB (1990-92) – University of Georgia
- Chris Hudson, DB (1991-94) – University of Colorado
- Mark Ingram, RB (2008-10) – University of Alabama
- Olin Kreutz, C (1995-97) – University of Washington
- James Laurinaitis, LB (2005-08) – Ohio State University
- Jordan Lynch, AP/QB (2010-13) – Northern Illinois University
- Herman Moore, WR (1988-90) – University of Virginia
- Terence Newman, CB (1999-2002) – Kansas State University
- Bob Novogratz, OG (1957-58) – United States Military Academy
- Ndamukong Suh, DT (2006-09) – University of Nebraska
- Peter Warrick, WR (1996-99) – Florida State University
- Eric Weddle, S (2003-06) – University of Utah
- Jerry Azumah, RB (1995-98) – University of New Hampshire
Coaches:
Eric Weddle’s journey from a California kid to a College Football Hall of Famer is a story of grit, talent, and gratitude. It’s a reminder that dreams, no matter how unlikely, can become reality—and that the impact of those dreams can last a lifetime. Congratulations, Eric Weddle—you’ve earned it!
