For years, the late, great coach Mike Leach’s College Football Hall of Fame chances were blocked by an eligibility rule that seemed unfair for one of college football’s greatest innovators. Despite his monumental impact on the game, his win percentage fell just shy of the requirement—until now.
With the Hall of Fame adjusting its rules, Leach is finally eligible for induction. This long-overdue recognition ensures his legacy will be cemented among the sport’s most iconic figures, and Leach’s fans can finally celebrate seeing their idol earn his well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Rule Change Opens Door For Mike Leach Induction
After years of debate, the College Football Hall of Fame has officially lowered its win percentage requirement, finally making legendary college football figure Mike Leach eligible for induction.
Previously, coaches needed a .600 career winning percentage to qualify, but Leach fell just short with .596. The Hall of Fame has now adjusted the threshold to .595, clearing the way for his long-overdue enshrinement.
Great news for Mike Leach fans: College Football Hall of Fame will lower win percentage in 2027 for coaches from 60 to 59.5 percent, which will make the former Mississippi State/Texas Tech/Washington State coach eligible to join the hall
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) May 29, 2025
Leach, who passed away in December 2022, was a pioneering coach known for revolutionizing the game with his Air Raid offense. His impact on college football is undeniable. Many, including USC coach Lincoln Riley, have spoken out for Leach’s inclusion.
“I totally agree that the Hall of Fame is simply not complete without Mike Leach being in,” he’s said.
Throughout his career, Leach earned 158 wins across stints at Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State. His influence extended beyond his record, as his innovative play-calling and charismatic personality left a lasting mark on the game.
The rule change comes after years of lobbying from coaches, analysts, and fans who believed Leach deserved recognition despite narrowly missing the previous eligibility criteria. Fans finally got the moment to be excited about Mike Leach, and their reactions are overwhelmingly positive.
so wild to see common sense win in this sport….idk how to act
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) May 29, 2025
CFB analyst Josh Pate noted, “So wild to see common sense win in this sport… idk how to act.”
HUGE WIN for College Football
— Austin Smith (@CFBHeadgear) May 29, 2025
Fans rejoiced, calling it a huge win for the sport.
Now that the bar has shifted, Leach’s path to the Hall of Fame is finally clear. His legacy, already powerful, will soon be honored alongside the greatest minds in college football history.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
