Days before the National Championship Game that pits the University of Miami vs the University of Indiana, the College Football Hall of Fame announced their Class of 2026.  The 22-man class consists of 18 players and four coaches, and will be officially inducted on December 8, 2026, in Las Vegas.

The Class of 2026 is:

Athletes:

Jerry Azumah, New Hampshire, Running Back, 1995-98.  Azumah was a two-time All-American who won the 1998 Walter Payton Award.  He is still UNH’s all-time leader in Rushing Yards (6,193) and All-Purpose Yards (8,376), and also won two conference Offensive Player of the Year Awards.  He also makes history as the first player from UNH to enter the College Hall.  Azumah went on to play seven seasons with the Chicago Bears and went to one Pro Bowl.

Ki-Jana Carter, Penn State, Running Back, 1992-94.  A unanimous All-American in 1994, Carter was the Rose Bowl MVP and Heisman runner-up that same year.  Carter rushed for 2,829 Yards and 34 TDs and was also twice named to the All-Big Ten.  He played eight years in the NFL (Cincinnati, Washington, and New Orleans), and is now the 21st player from the Nittany Lions to enter the Hall.  Carter is also a member of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

Bruce Collie, Texas at Arlington, Offensive Tackle, 1981-84.  Collie was a three-time All-SLC Selection.  He later played for two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and is the first player from Texas at Arlington to enter the Hall.

George Cumby, Oklahoma, Defensive Back, 1976-79.  Cumby was twice an All-American, with the second being unanimous.  He was a two-time Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Sooners to four league titles.  Individually, he recorded 437 Tackles, and later played eight years in the NFL (Green Bay, Buffalo, and Philadelphia).

Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh, Defensive Tackle, 2010-13.  Donald was a unanimous All-American in 2013, where he won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and captured the Bronko Nagurski Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, and Bill Willis Trophy.  He is Pittsburgh’s all-time leader in Tackles for Loss (66).  He later won three Defensive Player of the Year Awards, won a Super Bowl, and was chosen for eight Pro Bowls in a ten-year period spent exclusively with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.  Donald becomes the 21st Pitt Panther to enter the hallowed halls of Atlanta.

Marvin Harrison, Syracuse, Kick Returner & Wide Receiver, 2002-05.  Harrison compiled 2,718 Yards and 20 Touchdowns, was a three-time All-Big East Selection, and was instrumental in Syracuse’s 1993 Fiesta Bowl and 1996 Gator Bowl wins.  He would later become a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in a career spent entirely with the Colts, where he also won a Super Bowl, was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary Team, earned eight Pro Bowls, and recorded 14,580 Yards and 128 Touchdowns.

Garrison Hearst, Georgia, Running Back, 1990-2092.  In 1992, Hearst was a unanimous All-American, the SEC Player of the Year, the Doak Walker Award winner, and finished third in the Heisman voting.  Hearst rushed for 3,232 Yards and 33 Touchdowns for Georgia, and in an NFL career that spanned ten seasons (Phoenix/Arizona, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Denver) compiled over 10,000 Yards from Scrimmage with 30 TDs.

Chris Hudson, Colorado, Defensive Back, 1991-94.  Hudson won the 1994 Jim Thorpe Award and was a three-time All-Big Eight Selection.  He had 141 Tackles and 15 Interceptions for the Buffaloes.  He would have 11 picks in the NFL, most of which were with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Hudson becomes the 11th Colorado player to join the Hall.

Mark Ingram, Alabama, Running Back, 2008-10.  Ingram made history in 2009 as the first-ever Crimson Tide player to win the Heisman Trophy off of his nation-leading 1,658 Rushing Yards and 17 Touchdowns.  That year, he was also a Unanimous All-America, a First Team All-SEC Selection, and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.  Ingram also led Alabama to a BCS National Championship.  Professionally, he rushed for 8,111 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career spent mainly with the New Orleans Saints, and he is the 22nd Alabama player to gain induction.

Olin Kreutz, Washington, Center, 1995-97.  Kreutz was twice named a First Team All-Pac 10 Selection and was the 1997 Morris Trophy winner.  In the NFL, Kreutz went to six Pro Bowls (2001-06) and played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears, plus one with the New Orleans Saints.  With this selection, the Huskies now have 12 Hall of Fame members.

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, Linebacker, 2005-08.  A three-time All-American, Laurinaitis was a unanimous selection in 2007.  Laurinaitis was a three-time All-Big Ten Selection, a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the recipient of the 2006 Bronko Nagurski and 2007 Butkus awards, as well as a two-time Jack Lambert Trophy winner.  Laurinaitis had 375 Tackles, 24.5 Tackles for Loss and 13 Sacks for Ohio State, and he played eight years in the NFL, seven of which were with the St. Louis Rams, and is the 29th Buckeye to join the Hall.

Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois, Quarterback, 2010-13.  Lynch was one of the most prolific rushing Quarterbacks in college, compiling 4,321 Yards on the ground and setting the record in a season with 1,920 in 2013.  That year, he was third in Heisman voting, won his second MAC Offensive Player of the Year, and brought NIU to the Orange Bowl.  He also threw for 6,209 Yards and 51 TDs as a Husky, and later won a Grey Cup wth the Edmonton Eskimos.  This marks the second player from NIU to enter the Hall of Fame.

Herman Moore, Virginia, Wide Receiver, 1988-90.  Moore was sixth in Heisman voting in 1990 and holds the average Yards per Reception record with 22.0.  The former First Team All-ACC WR is still the Cavaliers’ all-time record in Receiving Yards (2,504) and Touchdowns (27).  He went on to have a successful career with the Detroit Lions, where he was a three-time First Team All-Pro, a two-time Receptions leader, and compiled 9,174 Yards and 62 TDs, and later would be named to the Detroit Lions Ring of Honor.  The Cavaliers now have six former players inducted.

Terence Newman, Kansas State, Defensive Back, 1998-2002. Newman was a Unanimous All-American and a First-Team All-Big 12 player, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and the Jim Thorpe Award winner.   He had a lengthy NFL career, recording 42 Interceptions playing for Dallas, Cincinnati, and Minnesota, and is the fifth Wildcat to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.

Bob Novogratz, United States Military Academy, Guard & Defensive Lineman, 1957-58.  Novogratz played on both sides of the ball and was a key part of the undefeated 1958 Team.  He won the Knute Rockne Lineman of the Year Award in 1958.  Army now has 24 College Football Hall of Fame inductees.

Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, Defensive Tackle, 2005-09.  In 2009, Suh had one of the most phenomenal years by a Defensive Tackle in college history.  That year, Suh was fourth in Heisman voting, was a Unanimous All-American, won the AP College Player of the Year, Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bill Willis Trophy, and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.  He had 24 Sacks,  49.5 Tackles for Loss, and has already had his number retired by the Cornhuskers.  Suh would play 13 years in the NFL, with his best seasons coming in Detroit, where he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year.  He also played for the Miami Dolphins, the Los Angeles Rams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (where he won a Super Bowl), and the Philadelphia Eagles, was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and a 2010s All-Decade Selection.  Suh is the 21st Cornhusker to join the Hall.

Peter Warrick, Florida State, Wide Receiver, 1996-99.  Warrick was a two-time All-American, with the second one (1999) being unanimous.  He led his team to a National Championship and won the Sugar Bowl MVP.  He finished his career with 3,517 Receiving Yards and 32 Touchdowns and was also twice an All-ACC Selection.  He played six years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks and is the 10th Seminole to enter the Hall.

Eric Weddle, Utah, Defensive Back, 2003-06.  In 2005 & 2006, Weddle was an All-Mountain West Selection and the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.  He had 18 Interceptions for the Utes and helped them win the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.  Weddle went on to have a successful career in the NFL, where he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time First Team All-Pro, and would ultimately win a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams.  He also played for San Diego and Baltimore, and had 29 career Interceptions and is the second Ute to become a College Football Hall of Famer.

Coaches:

Jim Margraff, Johns Hopkins (MD) 1990-2018, 221-89-3.  Margraff led the Blue Jays to 14 Centennial Conference Championships, and he was named a four-time Centennial Coach of the Year.  He is also a one-time AFCA NCAA Division III Coach of the Year.

Gary Patterson, TCU, 2000-21, 181-79, 11-6 in Bowls.  Patterson is the winningest coach in TCU history, and won 11 Bowl Games and five conference championships.  He also secured two AP Coach of the Year Awards.

Chris Petersen, Boise State 2006-13, Washington 2014-19, 147-38, 7-6 in Bowls.  Petersen brings a scintillating 0.7945 winning percentage to his resume, having won seven conference championships and seven bowls.

Ken Sparks, Carson-Newman, 1980-2016, 338-99-2.  Sparks led Carson-Newman to five National Championships and 21 SAC Championships.

We here at Notinhalloffame would like to congratulate the incoming members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Managing a gambling budget for a weekend requires strategic planning, especially when you want to experience different gambling verticals. In 2025, the gambling landscape continues to evolve with sports betting platforms offering more diverse options, slot games becoming more immersive with AR/VR technologies, and live poker maintaining its social appeal despite digital transformation. According to recent industry forecasts, the average recreational gambler now allocates about 40% more of their entertainment budget to gambling compared to pre-pandemic levels, making efficient budget distribution more crucial than ever.

40-30-30 Budget Distribution Model

The most effective approach for weekend gambling in 2026 is what industry experts call the “40-30-30” allocation model. This strategy involves dividing your gambling budget across different verticals while maintaining financial discipline.

Key Benefits of Strategic Budget Allocation

• Extends playing time across multiple gambling experiences
• Reduces the risk of significant losses in a single vertical
• Creates diverse entertainment value from your gambling budget
• Aligns with the statistical advantage differences between games

A 2025 survey by GamblingSmart Analytics found that players who implemented structured budget allocation reported 27% higher satisfaction with their overall gambling experience of the casino NV players and not only compared to those who gambled without a predetermined plan.

Sample Weekend Budget Distribution

Optimizing Your Sports Betting Allocation

Sports betting typically demands the largest portion of your budget due to its extended entertainment value and strategic engagement opportunities. In 2026, analysts predict that micro-moment betting during live events will account for 65% of all sports wagers placed.

Effective Sports Budget Strategies

The 2025 sports betting landscape favors calculated approaches over impulsive betting. Leading gambling psychologist Dr. Eliza Richardson notes, “The most successful recreational bettors allocate 60% of their sports budget to pre-researched main bets and reserve 40% for in-play opportunities that arise during the event.”

When distributing your sports betting allocation:

• Dedicate 50-60% to sports you know well
• Limit exotic parlays to 10-15% of your sports budget
• Reserve 20-25% for live in-play betting opportunities
• Set aside 10% for trending games with favorable odds

Slot Game Budget Management Techniques

The 30% allocation to slots should be approached with careful planning, as modern slot games in 2025 offer varying volatility profiles and return-to-player percentages.

Volatility-Based Slot Budget Division

Modern slot players are increasingly adopting a tiered approach to their slot budget. According to the 2025 Global Gambling Behavior Report, players who adjust their bet sizes based on game volatility extend their playing time by an average of 43%.

For optimal slot budget management:

1. Research games with RTP rates above 96.5% (increasingly common in 2025)
2. Allocate 40% to high-volatility games with larger potential payouts
3. Reserve 60% for medium to low-volatility games for extended play
4. Set win and loss limits that automatically trigger a game change

Live Poker: Maximizing Value from Limited Buy-ins

The final 30% of your budget allocated to live poker requires particular discipline. In 2025, live poker has seen a renaissance with the introduction of hybrid digital/physical tables and shorter format games designed for recreational players.

For weekend poker sessions with limited bankroll:

• Choose tables with stakes that allow for at least 50 big blinds
• Select games with a mix of recreational and semi-professional players
• Consider time-limited tournament formats over cash games to cap potential losses
• Focus on smaller stakes games with weaker competition rather than prestige high-stake tables

Technological Tools for Budget Adherence in 2025-2026

Modern gambling platforms now offer sophisticated budget management tools. By 2026, forecasts suggest that 78% of licensed operators will provide mandatory budget tracking features with real-time alerts.

Take advantage of these technological advances by utilizing:

• Cross-platform budget synchronization across gambling apps
• AI-powered spending pattern analysis
• Automated session time limits tied to budget depletion rates
• Real-time odds comparison tools for sports betting optimization

By following these strategic allocation principles, weekend gamblers can maximize their entertainment value while maintaining responsible gambling habits in the evolving gambling landscape of 2025-2026.

Modern casinos have become known for much more than gaming. While game floors still take center stage for most casinos, many have opted to redevelop into full entertainment venues, offering a range of experiences from live music to theatre productions. The change from supplementary entertainment to full-blown entertainment destinations has come after casino operators realized that the stage can bring in as much revenue, if not more, than the gaming floor. Following this transformation, live entertainment has become a staple for casinos, with venues like the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace not only hosting world-class entertainers but also elevating them to the next level. Singing and theatre careers have been made on the stages of casino venues, turning artists into icons.

From Tables to Center Stage

The transition from gaming to headline entertainment was driven by competition and convenience. With the global casino industry experiencing rapid growth and more casinos opening, operators needed to find new ways to stand out amidst a sea of competition. Standing out meant offering more than unique gaming options and basic amenities.

By combining headline entertainment with increasingly streamlined gaming experiences, casino operators helped redefine what modern digital entertainment looks like. The focus gradually shifted toward reducing friction and shortening the path between interest and participation. This shift is reflected across the wider modernisation of casino gaming seen in recent years, particularly as digital platforms prioritise speed, accessibility, and privacy.

One of the clearest indicators of this trend is the emergence of casinos without account verification, which have positioned themselves at the leading edge of frictionless iGaming design. By minimising traditional onboarding steps, these platforms demonstrate how the industry is responding to user demand for faster access and fewer interruptions, offering a glimpse into where online casino experiences are heading rather than standing as an exception to the rule.

Legends Born Under Neon Lights

The inclusion of live entertainment offerings had a fortuitous side effect of creating the perfect stage for musical and theatre performers to establish themselves. Many performers became so closely associated with casino stages that the venue and the artist felt inseparable. Legendary artists like Frank Sinatra helped define the image of the cool, sophisticated casino lounge with his Vegas era, while Elvis Presley’s extended runs turned Vegas residency shows into a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene.

Later stars like Celine Dion and Elton John would go on to take the Vegas Residency and make it an integral part of their careers.  The Vegas residency is more than just a show; it is a way for artists to solidify their careers in ways that traditional tours could not.

The Business Behind the Spotlight

From a business perspective, headliner shows at casinos are genius. Shows headlined by big names bring in consistent revenue for the venue while also providing the artist with greater levels of exposure. Ongoing shows also have a knock-on effect on overall revenue, with casino hotels having consistent occupancy, restaurants always being fully booked, and the gaming floor having a constant source of foot traffic.

Performers benefit greatly from casino shows, as these shows offer a reliable income, creative control, and a valuable marketing opportunity. They get to perform in a purpose-built venue, reducing the stress of having to set up arenas and stages in different locations on tour.

Conclusion

The rise of the casino headliner was no accident. It comes from casino operators and venues identifying the value of live performances. Live shows can elevate the experience of casinos, drive loyalty, and create legends at the same time. For artists, a residency at a major entertainment venue or casino is often a sign of having made it in the industry. Casinos have very high standards and requirements for performers, and when one secures a residency, it sends fans the signal that this performer is not to be missed. Live performers and casino operators have developed a unique relationship, one where a venue is more than just a place to gamble, and becomes a place where stars are made. 

1989 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Thank you for your participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, we acted like the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the years up to 1988.

For “1989,” a Preliminary Vote with nearly 100 players whose playing career ended by 1983. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters were asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next week, they will choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

32 votes were cast, with the top 15 advancing.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals: 

This is for the “Senior Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

We will post the Class of 1989 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project next Saturday.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!