From California kid to College Football Hall of Famer: Eric Weddle's incredible journey has reached its pinnacle! The former University of Utah safety is set to be inducted into the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame, a remarkable achievement that solidifies his legacy in the sport. This marks only the second time in the university's history that a Utes player has received this prestigious honor, following quarterback Alex Jensen's induction in 2024.
Weddle's selection is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. He's one of 18 former college football players and four coaches who will be celebrated by the National Football Foundation. In response to the news, Weddle expressed his gratitude on social media, emphasizing the importance of the relationships and support he received throughout his career. He'll be officially inducted during the 68th NFF awards dinner in Las Vegas on December 8, 2026.
Weddle himself has often reflected on his journey, saying he never imagined playing college football, let alone having a successful NFL career. But here's where it gets controversial...He went on to play for 14 years in the NFL, even coming out of retirement to join the Los Angeles Rams and win a Super Bowl.
During his time at Utah, Weddle was a consensus first-team All-American in 2006 and a key player in the team's undefeated 2004 season. He played a pivotal role in the Utes' success as an original "BCS buster" under coach Urban Meyer, also a Hall of Famer.
Weddle's accolades at Utah are numerous. He was inducted into the Utah Hall of Fame in 2022, recognized for his two Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year awards and his first-team All-MWC honors in 2005 and 2006. He still holds the school record for career forced fumbles (nine) and is second in career interceptions (18).
And this is the part most people miss... He is the only player in Utah history to score on back-to-back plays from scrimmage! His college career concluded with a 37-12 record, four bowl wins, 277 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 23 pass breakups, and six fumble recoveries. He even contributed on offense, rushing for 259 yards and six touchdowns.
After college, Weddle was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, later playing for the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams. He became a six-time Pro Bowler during his NFL career. Now retired, Weddle is the head coach of the Rancho Bernardo High football program, where his son, Gaige, is a rising star. While he's expressed interest in coaching at Utah, he's currently focused on his high school coaching role.
The 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class also includes:
- Jerry Azumah, RB (University of New Hampshire)
- Ki-Jana Carter, RB (Penn State University)
- Bruce Collie, OT (University of Texas at Arlington)
- George Cumby, LB (University of Oklahoma)
- Aaron Donald, DT (University of Pittsburgh)
- Marvin Harrison, KR/WR (Syracuse University)
- Garrison Hearst, RB (University of Georgia)
- Chris Hudson, DB (University of Colorado)
- Mark Ingram, RB (University of Alabama)
- Olin Kreutz, C (University of Washington)
- James Laurinaitis, LB (Ohio State University)
- Jordan Lynch, AP/QB (Northern Illinois University)
- Herman Moore, WR (University of Virginia)
- Terence Newman, CB (Kansas State University)
- Bob Novogratz, OG (United States Military Academy)
- Ndamukong Suh, DT (University of Nebraska)
- Peter Warrick, WR (Florida State University)
- Jim Margraff: (Johns Hopkins University)
- Gary Patterson: (Texas Christian University)
- Chris Petersen: (Boise State University; University of Washington)
- Ken Sparks: (Carson-Newman University)
What are your thoughts on Eric Weddle's career and his induction? Do you think he's one of the greatest Utes to ever play? Share your opinions in the comments below!
