Rice and Hardy Hall of Fame Bid

Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy, two legendary Illinois football stars, are back on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for 2027, aiming to join the program’s elite 18-member hall. Rice, a 1992–95 standout, holds Big Ten and school records with 44.5 sacks, earned two All-American honors, and was drafted third overall. Hardy, a year later, won the Butkus Award with over 100 tackles and 11 sacks, also a consensus All-American and top NFL draft pick. Both enjoyed stellar NFL careers, proving their talent endured. With a stacked 2027 ballot and induction set for Las Vegas next year, their chances are strong—and if selected, they’d cement Illinois’ storied legacy. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/39a74e8e8defe2c0