MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – June 2, 2025 – The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot on Monday.

Multiple Minnesota football personalities were featured, including University of Minnesota Duluth coach Jim Malosky, Minnesota State University Moorhead coach Ross Fortier, Ohio State linebacker (Wayzata High School) James Laurinaitis, Southwest Minnesota State quarterback (St. Paul Central) Jeff Loots, Wyoming wide receiver (Brooklyn Center High School) Marcus Harris and former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian (Fresno State). 

“We are thrilled to see multiple former Minnesota football players and coaches getting recognized for their outstanding contributions to our football community,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “Our state has a great opportunity to help these players and coaches earn a special place in history by voting.”

The ballot was emailed to more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers across the nation. After votes are tallied, the NFF’s Honors Court will help select the class. The official 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class will be announced in early 2026.

Fans can cast a ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame by becoming a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The 2026 voting deadline is Tuesday, July 1. You can become a member by following this link: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/40ae15a6-233b-4f9c-ab65-8c6551637380. (Type “Minnesota” while choosing a chapter).

Below are complete bios of each Minnesota football personality on the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot: 

Jim Malosky - University of Minnesota Duluth - Head Coach - 1958-97 - (255-125-13 overall record)

Jim Malosky led the University of Minnesota Duluth football program from 1958-97. When he retired, Malosky was the winningest coach in Division II history. During his 40-year coaching career, the Bulldogs won nine conference championships and produced 33 winning seasons. Malosky was named NSIC, MIAC and/or NAIA Coach of the Year 13 times. He also played quarterback for head coach Bernie Bierman at the University of Minnesota from 1947-1949. 

Ross Fortier - Minnesota State University Moorhead - Head Coach - 1970-92 - (152-80-4 overall record)

Ross Fortier is the all-time winningest coach in Minnesota State University Moorhead football history. Over 23 seasons, he led the Dragons to seven postseason appearances and nine conference championships. His 1981 team went undefeated in the regular season and finished No. 1 in the final regular season poll. Fortier is also a member of the NAIA Football Coaches Hall of Fame, North Dakota State Athletic Hall of Fame and the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

James Laurinaitis - Wayzata High School (Minn.) and Ohio State - Linebacker 

James Laurinaitis, a Wayzata Minn. native, became an enforcer within the Ohio State defense. He finished his college career with 375 total tackles (24.5 for loss), 13 sacks and nine interceptions. Laurinaitis was a three-time First Team All-American and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. During his career, the Buckeyes appeared in a pair of National Championship games and won four Big Ten Conference titles. Laurinaitis led the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons. He was named a 2007 Dick Butkus and 2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. 

Marcus Harris - Wide Receiver - Brooklyn Center High School and University of Wyoming 

Wyoming wide receiver Marcus was a two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors as a senior. He also won the 1996 Biletnikoff Award and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting. Harris twice led the nation in receiving yards per game and set the NCAA record with 4,518 career receiving yards while playing for the Cowboys. Harris, an alum of Brooklyn Center High School, was named the WAC Offensive Co-Player of the Year in 1996.

Jeff Loots - St. Paul Central and Southwest Minnesota State 

Jeff Loots, a quarterback at Southwest Minnesota State, set multiple conference and school records during his career. He was named a First Team All-American in 1992, after earning Second Team honors in 1991 and Honorable Mention recognition in 1990. Loots led the nation in passing and total offense during his final two seasons, setting NAIA records for career touchdown passes (102) and career passing yards per game (361.2). The former Southwest Minnesota State quarterback was named the 1992 Northern Sun Player of the Year for his outstanding play. 

Bernard Berrian - Fresno State and Minnesota Vikings

Bernard Berrian, a 2001 First Team All-America kick returner, led the nation in all-purpose yards (2,776). Berrian became Fresno State’s all-time leader in career all-purpose yards (5,828) and tied the school record for career touchdown receptions (25). He was a three-time All-WAC performer who helped his team to a share of the 1999 WAC title. Berrian played wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings from 2008-11.

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About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar-athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President - Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation

Phone: (612)-325-5500

Media Contact:

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content

Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation

Email: daniel@nffmn.org