IRVING, Texas – Three of the most accomplished figures in Texas State football history are listed on the ballot for the National Football Foundation's 2027 College Football Hall of Fame class. Former running backs Claude Mathis and Reggie Rivers, along with former head coach Dennis Franchione, are among the distinguished candidates on this year's ballot, recognizing their lasting contributions to the Bobcat program and their impact on the collegiate game.
Claude Mathis | Running Back | 1993-97
One of the most prolific players in program history, Mathis earned First-Team All-America honors in 1997 after also collecting Second Team All-America recognition in 1996 and Honorable Mention accolades in 1995. A two-time Southland Conference Player of the Year, he remains Texas State's all-time leading rusher with 4,694 career yards. His 7,264 career all-purpose yards established a Southland Conference record and still rank among the best totals in FCS history.
Reggie Rivers | Running Back | 1987-90
A First-Team All-American in 1990, Rivers finished his senior season among the nation's leaders in both rushing and all-purpose yardage. The two-time All-Southland Conference selection led the league in rushing and all-purpose yards during his final campaign and remains one of the most versatile offensive threats in school history, ranking among Texas State's career leaders in all-purpose yards at 4,015.
Dennis Franchione | Head Coach | 1990-91, 2011-15
Franchione's impact on Texas State football helped launch one of the most successful coaching careers in college football. During his time in San Marcos, he lifted the Bobcats to 13 wins in 2 seasons and had them nationally ranked towards the end of 1990 and to the start of the 1991 campaign. He returned to Texas State in 2011 and led the Bobcats for 5 more seasons helping them transition from FCS to FBS. He then went on to lead programs including TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M.
The National Football Foundation announced the 2027 ballot on June 1. The ballot includes candidates from the FBS, NCAA divisional ranks and NAIA, with the 2027 Hall of Fame class set to be announced in early 2027 following the voting process.
About the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik, and journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of amateur football to build leaders. With 120 chapters in 47 states, the NFF oversees initiatives such as the NFF College Hall of Fame, the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy®, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments, Future For Football, and I Played. Learn more at footballfoundation.org and follow @NFFNetwork on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
