Ryan Leaf, one of the most illustrious football players in Washington State University (WSU) history, has landed on the 2026 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. Leaf played quarterback for the Cougars from 1994 to 1997 and now sits among 79 FBS players and nine coaches up for this major honor.
This marks Leaf’s fourth straight year on the ballot since first appearing in 2022. If he makes the cut, he’ll join a select group of WSU football legends in the Hall of Fame.
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Ryan Leaf’s Stellar College Career
Leaf’s journey kicked off when he redshirted his first season at WSU. He started getting real attention in 1995 when he finally saw the field.
By 1996, Leaf had stepped in as the Cougars’ starting quarterback. That year, he completed 194 of 373 passes, racking up 2,811 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
But 1997 was something else entirely. Leaf completed 227 of 410 passes for a whopping 3,968 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
His stellar play propelled WSU to its first Rose Bowl appearance in 67 years. That’s a long drought to break.
Accolades and Achievements
Leaf’s 1997 season brought a pile of individual honors, including:
- Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year
- Sporting News First-Team All-American
- Third in Heisman voting
- Sammy Baugh Passer of the Year
After leaving school early, the San Diego Chargers drafted Leaf No. 2 overall. His NFL career didn’t quite go as planned, with off-field trouble and injuries getting in the way.
But these days, Leaf has completely changed direction. He’s a regular public speaker, podcast host, and commentator for college and NFL games on ESPN, Pac-12 Network, and Sky in the UK.
Criteria for Hall of Fame Nomination
The Hall of Fame doesn’t just let anyone in. To get nominated, a player needs to have earned a first-team nod from at least one of the five major All-American teams: Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers of America, Sporting News, and Walter Camp.
Inductees will get their moment in Las Vegas during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 8, 2026. Afterward, they’ll be honored with on-campus salutes throughout the fall season.
Washington State’s Hall of Fame Legacy
If Leaf makes it, he’ll be the sixth WSU footballer to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. The Cougars already have five members in the hall:
- Mel Hein (Offensive Lineman)
- Turk Edwards (Offensive Lineman)
- Mike Utley (Offensive Lineman)
- Rueben Mayes (Running Back)
- Jason Hanson (Kicker, inducted in 2020)
Over 12,000 National Football Foundation members and current Hall of Famers got the ballot by email. They have until July 1 to vote.
Other Notable Nominees
Leaf’s not the only Pac-12 name on this year’s ballot. Eleven others made the list, including:
- Marshawn Lynch (Cal RB)
- Jonathan Stewart (Oregon RB)
- Taylor Mays (USC Safety)
- Ken Norton Jr. (UCLA LB)
- Olin Kreutz (UW Center)
Kellen Moore, a name Cougar fans know well from his Boise State days and now as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is also in the running.
Support for Washington State Athletics
Washington State fans have a chance to support their team in a different way. The Cougar Collective NIL group is urging fans to ask their favorite stores and bars to stock Ol’ Crimson Legendary Lager.
Every sale of Ol’ Crimson Lager helps the Cougar Collective back WSU coaches in recruiting and keeping athletes. They’re working with Pike Brewing and Fremont Brewing to get Ol’ Crimson Legendary Lager in more spots across the state and beyond.
Fans can share feedback about where they find the beer and help spread the word. Seems like a pretty easy way to pitch in.
For more details on Ryan Leaf’s nomination and how WSU fans can get involved, check out 247sports.
Conclusion
Ryan Leaf’s nomination to the College Football Hall of Fame highlights his remarkable college career. He’s shown a lot of resilience, bouncing back from personal struggles along the way.
Fans are waiting for the announcement of the inductees in early 2026. Leaf’s legacy at Washington State keeps inspiring people.
The Cougar community stands behind him. There’s a sense of hope for both Leaf’s potential induction and the future of WSU athletics.
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