On Thursday, May 29, the National Football Foundation announced changes to the College Football Hall of Fame eligibility criteria, specifically, the required career win percentage for consideration. The change will go into effect on the 2027 ballot. So, which coaches could benefit most from the revised eligibility rules?
College Football Hall of Fame Win Percentage Rule Changes
Following extended discussions and advocacy, the College Football Hall of Fame is set to revise its induction criteria. As announced in a press release by the National Football Foundation, the minimum career win percentage required for eligibility will reduce from 60% to 59.5%, beginning with the 2027 ballot.
NEWS: The College Football Hall of Fame will lower its win percentage from 60% to 59.5%, making Mike Leach eligible to join🙌
(via @Brett_McMurphy) https://t.co/ai6qUAXe6X pic.twitter.com/2bICNAouJf
— On3 (@On3sports) May 29, 2025
“The NFF is committed to preserving the integrity and prestige of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame,” NFF president and chief executive Steve Hatchell said.
“This adjustment reflects thoughtful dialogue with leaders across the sport and allows us to better recognize coaches whose contributions to the game extend beyond a narrow statistical threshold.”
The recent adjustment to the College Football Hall of Fame’s win percentage requirement could finally allow the late Mike Leach to receive the recognition many believe he deserves. The change follows discussion and criticism of the previous eligibility standards, which excluded Leach despite his impact on the sport.
Leach, who passed away unexpectedly in late 2022, played a crucial role in revolutionizing offensive football. He popularized the Air Raid system, an innovative, pass-heavy approach that has reshaped the college and professional games in the modern era.
Under the previous Hall of Fame criteria, candidates were required to have at least 10 years of head coaching experience, 100 games coached, and a .600 career winning percentage. Leach met the first two benchmarks, but his 158–107 record equated to a .596 win rate, falling just short of the threshold.
KEEP READING: What Is the NCAA Eligibility Center (Formerly Clearinghouse) and Why Do Recruits Need To Register?
With the win percentage requirement now lowered to .595 starting in 2027, Leach’s legacy may finally receive formal recognition, honoring his transformative role in football.
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