Two former Georgia Bulldogs named among the candidates for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

Garrison Hearst’s football journey began in **Lincolnton, Georgia**, where he led Lincoln County High School to a state championship and earned Parade All-American honors. From the outset, his speed, vision, and agility marked him as a generational talent. Recruiters across the South vied for his commitment, but Hearst chose to play for the University of Georgia, where he hoped to follow in the footsteps of Bulldog legends like **Herschel Walker**.

Hearst’s decision to remain in-state set the tone for his collegiate career. Georgia fans immediately embraced him as the heir to a long line of powerful running backs, and he would not disappoint.

### The 1992 Season: Hearst’s Heisman Campaign

The 1992 season was Hearst’s masterpiece. In just 11 regular season games, he rushed for **1,547 yards** and scored **19 touchdowns**, finishing with over **1,900 all-purpose yards**. His signature performance came against Vanderbilt, where he rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns — a game that became part of Bulldog lore.

Hearst’s efforts earned him a third-place finish in the **Heisman Trophy** voting, behind **Gino Torretta** and **Marshall Faulk**. While he did not win, many fans and analysts believed Hearst was the most dynamic and valuable player in college football that season.

His accolades in 1992 included:

* **Doak Walker Award** (nation’s top running back)
* **Consensus All-American**
* **SEC Player of the Year**
* **Walter Camp Player of the Year finalist**

His impact extended beyond statistics — Hearst brought a level of excitement to the Georgia offense not seen since the early 1980s.

### Beyond the Numbers

While statistics often define Hall of Fame cases, Hearst’s candidacy is bolstered by his legacy. His ability to take over games, his leadership, and the way he elevated Georgia’s offense during his tenure are all critical factors. Hearst helped usher in a new era of Bulldog football and set a standard for future backs like **Todd Gurley** and **Nick Chubb**.

Richard Seymour: The Quiet Giant of Georgia’s Defensive Line

### From Camden County to the SEC Trenches

Born in Gadsden, South Carolina, Richard Seymour was a highly touted defensive lineman coming out of Camden County High School. When he arrived in Athens in 1997, he was a raw but powerful presence on the defensive line. Under the guidance of Georgia’s coaching staff, Seymour refined his technique and became one of the most feared linemen in the SEC.

His ability to play both defensive tackle and end gave Georgia immense versatility on defense, and his motor never stopped. By his junior and senior seasons, Seymour was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the country.

### Signature Games and Leadership

Seymour wasn’t the kind of player who piled up flashy statistics. His strength came in disruption — swallowing double teams, plugging gaps, and making life easier for linebackers. His presence allowed Georgia to shift defensive strategies, trusting Seymour to anchor the line regardless of the scheme.

He finished his college career with **223 total tackles**, **9 sacks**, and **35 quarterback pressures**, but his leadership may have been his most valuable asset. A **two-time team captain**, Seymour led by example, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

In 2000, he earned **First Team All-American** honors and cemented his legacy as one of Georgia’s greatest defensive linemen.

The NFL Careers: Cementing Greatness

While the College Football Hall of Fame primarily focuses on NCAA achievements, it’s impossible to separate the broader football legacies of Hearst and Seymour from their candidacies.

### Garrison Hearst in the NFL

Hearst’s NFL journey was a rollercoaster. Drafted **3rd overall** by the Arizona Cardinals in 1993, he initially struggled with injuries and inconsistency. However, after moving to the San Francisco 49ers, Hearst revived his career. His most memorable professional moment came in 1998 when he rushed for **1,570 yards**, leading the 49ers to the playoffs.

Tragically, a devastating ankle injury in the 1998 playoffs sidelined Hearst for two full seasons. Many thought his career was over, but in 2001, he returned with another 1,200-yard season, winning **NFL Comeback Player of the Year**. His resilience made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the league.

### Richard Seymour’s Championship Pedigree

Drafted **6th overall** by the New England Patriots in 2001, Seymour quickly became the anchor of Bill Belichick’s defense. His combination of size (6’6”, 310 lbs), technique, and football IQ made him a foundational piece of the Patriots’ dynasty.

Seymour won **three Super Bowls** (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) and earned **seven Pro Bowl selections** and **three First-Team All-Pro honors**. He was named to the **NFL 2000s All-Decade Team** and inducted into the **Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022**.

Despite his NFL fame, Seymour has remained deeply connected to Georgia and often speaks fondly of his college years — another reason his Hall of Fame candidacy carries emotional weight for Bulldog fans.

Georgia’s Football Legacy and the Hall of Fame

### A Program Steeped in Tradition

The University of Georgia has one of the richest football traditions in the country. From national championships to Heisman winners, Georgia football has consistently produced elite talent and memorable moments.

To date, 21 Bulldogs have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. With legends like:

* **Frank Sinkwich** (Heisman winner, 1942)
* **Charley Trippi**
* **Bill Stanfill**
* **Champ Bailey**
* **Herschel Walker**

…Georgia’s imprint on college football is undeniable.

Adding Hearst and Seymour would not only honor two of the program’s finest athletes but also reaffirm the Bulldogs’ reputation for excellence across both sides of the ball.

### Kirby Smart’s Endorsement

Head coach **Kirby Smart**, himself a former Georgia player, has often highlighted the influence of former greats on the current generation of Bulldogs. Smart has spoken publicly about both Hearst and Seymour as role models for his players.

> “When you talk about what it means to be a Dawg, Garrison and Richard are at the top of that list. They set the standard,” Smart once said in an interview.

Their presence on the ballot also serves as a reminder of Georgia’s long-term impact on the sport, transcending generations and continuing to inspire.

What Comes Next: The Hall of Fame Balloting Process

The **National Football Foundation (NFF)** oversees the College Football Hall of Fame selection process. To be considered, players must:

* Have been named a **First Team All-American** by a major selector recognized by the NCAA.
* Have completed their college playing careers at least **10 years prior** to consideration.
* Have shown **good citizenship** and a strong post-football reputation.

From the hundreds of eligible candidates each year, only about a **dozen players** and a few coaches are inducted.

Hearst and Seymour are both first-time nominees on the **2026 ballot**, joining other stars like Tim Tebow, Eric Berry, and Marshawn Lynch.

### Voter Influence

Voting is conducted by over **12,000 NFF members**, including media members, college administrators, and Hall of Famers. The results are compiled and reviewed by the **NFF’s Honors Court**, chaired by former SEC commissioner **Roy Kramer**.

The Class of 2026 will be officially announced in early 2026, with induction ceremonies held later that year in Atlanta, home of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Why Their Induction Matters

Garrison Hearst and Richard Seymour represent more than personal achievement. They are the embodiment of Georgia football — tough, explosive, relentless, and classy. Their inclusion on the Hall of Fame ballot is a long-overdue recognition of their influence on the sport.

### Legacy Beyond Stats

While both players have numbers that speak for themselves, their true impact lies in how they shaped games, defined expectations, and inspired future Bulldogs. Every time a Georgia fan cheers a breakaway run or a dominant defensive stop, it’s part of the legacy that Hearst and Seymour helped build.

Whether or not they are inducted in 2026, their place in college football history is already secure. But for Georgia fans and those who witnessed their greatness, a bronze plaque in Atlanta would simply be the final, fitting tribute.