The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the names up for consideration for the NFF College Football Hall of Fame on Monday morning. The 2026 ballot includes 79 players and nine coaches from the FCS and 100 players and 35 coaches from all levels. Of those names, two are former players for the Miami Hurricanes and one is a former coach. Quarterback Ken Dorsey, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and head coach Larry Coker were the names included for the Canes.
QB Ken Dorsey
Ken Dorsey is the winningest quarterback in Miami Hurricanes history, compiling a 38–2 record as a starter. He led the Hurricanes to a national championship in 2001 and a BCS title game appearance in 2002. Dorsey set multiple school and Big East records, including career marks for passing yards (9,565), touchdown passes (86), and total offense (9,165 yards). He was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing third in 2001 and fifth in 2002.
In the 2002 Rose Bowl, Dorsey threw for 362 yards and three touchdowns, earning co-MVP honors as Miami defeated Nebraska to secure the national title.
LB Jonathan Vilma
Jonathan Vilma was a cornerstone of Miami’s defense, leading the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons (2001–2003). He amassed 377 career tackles, ranking seventh in school history. Vilma was a key contributor to the 2001 national championship team, recording eight tackles and a sack in the Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska.
A three-time First-Team All-Big East selection, Vilma earned All-American honors in 2003 and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
Head Coach Larry Coker
Larry Coker took over as Miami’s head coach in 2001 and immediately led the Hurricanes to a national championship, becoming only the second coach in NCAA history to win a title in his first season. During his six-year tenure, Coker compiled a 60–15 record, the third-best winning percentage in school history. His teams won three Big East titles and were 8–2 against rivals Florida and Florida State.
Coker’s 2001 team is often regarded as one of the greatest in college football history, featuring numerous future NFL stars and completing a perfect 12–0 season.
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