California High School Football Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026

The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, on behalf of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the National Football Foundation (NFF), has announced  the third class of inductees into the California High School Football Hall of Fame. The 2026 class includes seven players and three coaches whose achievements have left a lasting impact on high school football throughout California.

The Hall of Fame, which was established and opened in 2023 as a result of two leadership pledges to the Legacy Foundation from prominent philanthropists and business leaders Brian Panish and Mickey Segal, is located inside of Tunnel 20 at America’s Stadium. Philanthropist and ardent Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation supporter Brian Kennedy also provided a key commitment to elevate the project’s impact.

The Class of 2026, along with all inductees, will be honored prior to and during the UCLA versus Wisconsin football game on Saturday, October 17th at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Class of 2026 – Players (in alphabetical order):

• Derek Carr (Quarterback) – Bakersfield Christian High School – Bakersfield, CA (Class of 2009)
• Keyshawn Johnson (Wide Receiver) – Dorsey High School – Los Angeles, CA (Class of 1991)
• Travis Kirschke (Defensive Line) – Esperanza High School – Anaheim, CA (Class of 1993)
• Darrell Russell (Defensive Line) – St. Augustine High School – San Diego, CA (Class of 1994)
• Pat Tillman (Defensive Back) – Leland High School – San Jose, CA (Class of 1994)
• James Washington (Defensive Back) – Jordan High School – Los Angeles, CA (Class of 1982)
• Robert Woods (Wide Receiver) – Serra High School – Gardena, CA (Class of 2010)

Class of 2026 – Coaches (in alphabetical order):

• Dan Albert – Monterey High School – Monterey, CA
• Bill Foltmer – Middletown High School – Middletown, CA / Princeton High School – Princeton, CA
• Terry Henigan – Irvine High School – Irvine, CA

Classes are elected every other year by a statewide committee representing all ten CIF state sections, after a public nomination period.  The last public nomination period was November 2025 – January 2026. The next class will be open for nomination and voting in 2028.

The establishment of the California High School Football Hall of Fame, a Legacy Foundation project, was opened in partnership with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the National Football Foundation (NFF), the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Rose Bowl Stadium. The project honors the history, quality, and overall impact of players, coaches, and integral moments that have shaped the landscape of high school football in the state.

“Congratulations to the newest members of the California High School Football Hall of Fame. The National Football Foundation is honored to be a founding partner and proud supporter of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation,” said Steve Hatchell, President and CEO of the National Football Foundation.  “The efforts of the Rose Bowl Stadium and the Legacy Foundation to showcase the good in the game are welcomed and appreciated.”

“On behalf of the California Interscholastic Federation, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation for its commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich tradition of California high school football,” said Ron Nocetti, Executive Director of the CIF.   “The Foundation’s continued support, highlighted by the third installment of the High School Football Hall of Fame, honors the coaches and student-athletes whose dedication, leadership, and achievements have left a lasting legacy on our game. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding inductees. Your accomplishments have inspired generations, and your impact on high school football will be remembered for years to come.”

The Hall of Fame is open to all ticket holders on major event days, through the Stadium Tour program and on special requests.  Featuring player and coach inductees from each class, including the inaugural 100 from 2023, history and exhibits from high school football throughout the state, and artifacts from across the country including the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, the space has been a marquee destination for visitors across the nation.

“One of the greatest privileges of serving at the Rose Bowl Stadium is the opportunity to celebrate the people whose contributions have shaped the game of football for generations,” said Rose Bowl Legacy Vice President for Advancement Brian Brantley. “As we welcome our third class of inductees this fall, we are proud to preserve their stories and accomplishments in one of the most iconic venues in the world.”