Iowa Football has a rich history, including over fifteen players elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Earlier this week, the National Football Foundation (NFF) released the names of the nominees on the 2026 ballot, including two former Hawkeye greats.
The 2026 ballot contains 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks. It was sent out to 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers.
After the ballots are sent in, the NFF Honor Court will deliberate and determine who will enter the Hall of Fame in 2026. Former player and Hall of Famer Archie Griffin chairs the Honor Court.
The College Football Hall of Fame is a prestigious achievement and extremely hard to obtain. Only 1,111 of 5.78 million (0.02 percent) have made the Hall of Fame. Two former Hawkeye stars look to add their names to the list.
Brad Banks, quarterback (2001-2002)
Former legendary quarterback Brad Banks received a nomination for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame. Banks was ahead of his time, excelling as a dual-threat quarterback.
During his career with the Hawkeyes, Banks tallied 3,155 passing yards and 30 touchdowns with 583 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. His second year (2002) was his best year in the black and gold.
In 2002, Banks was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and earned National Player of the Year, the Davy O'Brien (best college quarterback), Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player, First Team All-Big Ten, and First Team All-American Honors.
During the 2002 season, Banks tallied 2,573 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, completing 57.8 percent of his passes on 294 attempts. He also tallied 423 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 81 attempts.
Banks' 2002 season is one of the best individual seasons in Iowa Football history.
Dallas Clark, tight end (2000-2002)
Former Iowa great Dallas Clark was one of the first Iowa Hawkeye tight ends to launch "Tight End U," and was also nominated for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot alongside former teammate Brad Banks.
Clark benefitted from having a Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterback throwing him the football, but he stood out with his catching ability. Clark helped to revolutionize the tight end position by proving the big fellas could block and catch passes.
Clark's best season for the Hawkeyes also came in 2002. During the 2002 season, Clark tallied 742 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 43 receptions, and was named a consensus First Team All-American and First Team All-Big Ten member.
He also earned the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's best tight end.
Following his exceptional college career, the Indianapolis Colts selected Clark with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.
Banks and Clark will learn in January 2026 if they are inducted into the Hall of Fame. If they are enshrined, they will officially join the Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony on December 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.