ATLANTA, GA – The 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot is out, and West Chester University, once again, is represented with two former head coaches and one former player appearing on the ballot.
Voting is open through July 1, 2026, as National Football Foundation (NFF) members help determine the next class of Hall of Fame inductees. If you would like to become a member and receive this year's ballot, please contact NFF Director of Membership David Flores at
dflores@footballfoundation.com.
The 2027 ballot includes 80 players and nine coaches from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 99 players and 39 coaches from the NCAA divisional and NAIA ranks. The announcement of the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2027, with specific details to be announced in the future.
The 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, and they will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2027 season.
"For more than seven decades, the NFF College Football Hall of Fame has preserved the legacy of the game's greatest players and coaches, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Being named to this ballot places these remarkable individuals among an exceptionally elite group whose achievements helped shape college football history. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the selection of the next Hall of Fame class."
The national ballot of players and coaches is emailed to all dues-paying NFF chapter members, NFF academic members and Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) members for a vote. The results are compiled and provided to the Honors Court, which determines the final class members, to be used as a reference.
"The strength of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame rests in the integrity of its selection process," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Ole Miss. "Each year, our members and Hall of Famers carefully evaluate an outstanding group of nominees whose accomplishments have stood the test of time. Their participation helps preserve the Hall's tradition of excellence while ensuring that the game's greatest contributors receive the recognition they deserve."
Any candidate not selected to the current year's Hall of Fame class will automatically go through the voting procedures again the following year. Candidates do not need to be re-nominated.
BILL ZWAAN, SR. - WIDENER (PA) (1997-2002), WEST CHESTER (PA.) (2003-23)
Most wins (163) in West Chester history, retiring as Division II's active career leader in victories … Led the Golden Rams to six PSAC Eastern Division titles, a 2018 outright PSAC Championship, and a school record 10 playoff appearances … Owns the highest winning percentage (79.4) in Widener history, guiding The Pride to three conference titles. Bill Zwaan, Sr. – 217-90 (71%) overall record in 26 years.
BILLY HESS, WEST CHESTER (PA.) - WIDE RECEIVER
1988 First Team All-American and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist … 1988 PSAC East Player of the Year and four-time All-PSAC receiver, who also earned all-conference honors as a defensive back in 1988 (17 UA tackles, 6 Asst. tackles, 23 total tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs, 3 INTs, 5 PBU) … Led West Chester to PSAC title game appearances in 1986 and 1987. 1988 PSAC East Player of the Year and four-time All-PSAC receiver, who also earned all-conference honors as a defensive back in 1988 ... Led West Chester to PSAC title game appearances in 1986 and 1987. Billy Hess – career 182 receptions for 2,866 yards and 30 touchdowns.
DR. W. GLENN KILLINGER - DICKINSON (PA.) (1922), RENSSELAER (N.Y.) (1927-32), MORAVIAN (PA.) (1933), WEST CHESTER (PA.) (1934-41, 1945-59)
Retired as the winningest head coach in West Chester history - (147-41-12 (77%) 23 years ... Member of the College Football Hall of Fame as a player and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame ... Had only one losing season in 37 years as a head coach.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE FOOTBALL 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
www.footballfoundation.org.
