Former Walter Camp All-Americans Enshrined to Pro Football Hall of Fame
Three former Walter Camp All-Americans were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 8.
Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, 2003 Walter Camp Player of Year/First Team All-American
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was the first sophomore the Walter Camp Player of the Year award in 2003. Fitzgerald was virtually unstoppable in 2003 during his sophomore campaign, compiling 92 catches for 1,672 yards (18.2 avg.) and 22 touchdowns.
The third overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-year pro career with the Arizona Cardinals (2004-20). An 11-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL 100 All-Time Team, he ranks second in NFL history in receiving yards (17,492) and receptions (1,432). In 2018, Fitzgerald was named as the Walter Camp Alumni Award winner.
Luke Kuechly, Boston College, 2010 and 2011 First Team All-American
Luke Kuechly concluded his career at Boston College as one of the most accomplished defensive players in college football history. In 38 career games, including 37 starts, he amassed an ACC and school-record 532 total tackles, the second-highest total in NCAA history. As a junior in 2011, Kuechly earned the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player, the Butkus Award as the nation’s outstanding linebacker and the Rotary Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman or linebacker.
In eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Kuechly was a seven-time All-Pro, a seven-time Pro Bowler, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl runner-up. He was named to the All-Decade team for the 2010s. Kuechly led the NFL in tackles in 2012 as a rookie with 202 stops, a Panthers franchise record, and again in 2014. In addition, Kuechly won the Butkus Award given to the NFL’s top linebacker three times in his career (2014, 2015, 2017) and received the Art Rooney Award for sportsmanship in 2017.
Drew Brees, Purdue, 1999 and 2000 Second Team All-American
At Purdue, Drew Brees led the Boilers to their second-ever Rose Bowl to close out the 2000 season. He was an Academic All-American as a senior, as well as the 2000 Maxwell Award winner (nation’s most outstanding player). His name tops numerous career passing categories in Purdue’s record book: yards, completions, attempts and touchdowns.
The San Diego Chargers selected Brees in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. His career started slowly, finally gaining some momentum in 2004, when he earned the 2004 AP Comeback Player of the Year award, PFWA Most Improved Player of the Year award and a Pro Bowl invitation. After joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006, Brees began to flourish. Over the next 15 seasons, he led the league in passes completed and passing percentage (including five seasons in excess of 70.6 percent). He led the NFL in passing yards seven times and tallied five seasons in which he exceeded 5,000 yards passing. In the 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 seasons, Brees led the league in passing touchdowns.
Throughout the course of his 20-season career, Brees accumulated 80,358 yards passing and 571 passing touchdowns — both second all time for NFL quarterbacks. His on-field efforts led to 13 Pro Bowl selections, AP first-team All-Pro recognition (2006), two AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards (2008, 2011), and a Super Bowl XLIV title and MVP award. In 2009, Brees earned the Bert Bell Award as the NFL Player of the Year.
Walter Camp Foundation Announces New Leadership Slate; Madera to Lead Organization
The Walter Camp Foundation recently announced its new slate of leadership officers for 2026-27.
President: Michael Madera, member since 1996 (President, 2017-19)
President-elect: Dr. Greg Rocchio, member since 2009
Vice-President: Michael Leone, member since 2013
Vice-President: Jim Monico, member since 1997 (President, 2013-15)
Treasurer: Jeremy Rosner, member since 2009
Secretary: Tony Mortali, member since 1992 (President, 2022-24)
Note: Outgoing President John Barbarotta was the first two-time President in the history of the Foundation…. Madera, Monico and Mortali are all Past Presidents of the Foundation.
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Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.
2026 Walter Camp Player of Year Watch List to be unveiled on Monday, August 17 as part of NCFAA Awards Rollout
The 2026 Walter Camp Player of Year Watch List will be unveiled on Monday, August 17 as part of annual National College Football Awards Association preseason rollout.
2026 Preseason Watch List Calendar
Sixteen of the NCFAA’s 25 awards will announce preseason watch lists between Aug. 3-21.
Mon., Aug. 3: Maxwell Award
Tue., Aug. 4: Outland Trophy/Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Wed., Aug. 5: Mackey Award
Thu., Aug. 6: Rimington Trophy
Fri., Aug. 7: Lou Groza Award
Mon., Aug. 10: Paul Hornung Award
Tue., Aug. 11: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Wed., Aug. 12: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
Thu., Aug. 13: Butkus Award
Fri., Aug. 14: Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 17: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 18: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 19: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 20: Davey O’Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 21: Bednarik Award
The Walter Camp Player of Year award is the nation’s fourth-oldest college football award, first awarded in 1967.
Walter Camp Player of Year Facts
- First awarded in 1967, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza was the 59th recipient of the Walter Camp Player of Year award.
- Mendoza was the 24th quarterback to win the award. There have been 25 running backs, five wide receivers, one wide receiver/defensive back, one tight end and three defensive players.
- Colorado’s Travis Hunter (2024) was the first two-way player to win the award.
- Three players – USC’s OJ. Simpson (1967, 1968), Ohio State’s Archie Griffin (1974, 1975) and Texas’ Colt McCoy (2008, 2009) have been multiple winners.
- Three defensive players have won the award – Pittsburgh’s Hugh Green (1980), Michigan’s Charles Woodson (1997) and Notre Dame’s Manti Teo (2012).
- Players from 26 different schools have earned the award. USC has won the most Player of Year awards (7), followed by Oklahoma, Ohio State and Notre Dame with four each.
Walter Camp Players of the Year (1967-2025)
2025 – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2024 – Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado
2023 – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
2022 – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2021 – Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
2020 – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
2019 – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2018 – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
2017 – Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
2016 – Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
2015 – Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
2014 – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
2013 – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
2012 – Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
2011 – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2010 – Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2009 – Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
2008 – Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
2007 – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
2006 – Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State
2005 – Reggie Bush, RB, USC
2004 – Matt Leinart, QB, USC
2003 – Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh
2002 – Larry Johnson, RB, Penn State
2001 – Eric Crouch, QB, Nebraska
2000 – Josh Heupel, QB, Oklahoma
1999 – Ron Dayne, RB, Wisconsin
1998 – Ricky Williams, RB, Texas
1997 – Charles Woodson, DB, Michigan
1996 – Danny Wuerffel, QB, Florida
1995 – Eddie George, RB, Ohio State
1994 – Rashaan Salaam, RB, Colorado
1993 – Charlie Ward, QB, Florida State
1992 – Gino Torretta, QB, Miami
1991 – Desmond Howard, WR, Michigan
1990 – Raghib Ismail, WR, Notre Dame
1989 – Anthony Thompson, RB, Indiana
1988 – Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma State
1987 – Tim Brown, WR, Notre Dame
1986 – Vinny Testaverde, QB, Miami
1985 – Bo Jackson, RB, Auburn
1984 – Doug Flutie, QB, Boston College
1983 – Mike Rozier, RB, Nebraska
1982 – Herschel Walker, RB, Georgia
1981 – Marcus Allen, RB, USC
1980 – Hugh Green, DE, Pittsburgh
1979 – Charles White, RB, USC
1978 – Billy Sims, RB, Oklahoma
1977 – Ken MacAfee, TE, Notre Dame
1976 – Tony Dorsett, RB, Pittsburgh
1975 – Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State
1974 – Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State
1973 – John Cappelletti, RB, Penn State
1972 – Johnny Rodgers, RB, Nebraska
1971 – Pat Sullivan, QB, Auburn
1970 – Jim Plunkett, QB, Stanford
1969 – Steve Owens, RB, Oklahoma
1968 – O.J. Simpson, RB, USC
1967 – O.J. Simpson, RB, USC
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Visit www.waltercamp.org for more information. The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients dating back to 1935.
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2026 Walter Camp Preseason FBS All-America Teams; 2026 will mark the 137th edition of the nation’s oldest college football All-America team
2026 will mark the 137th edition of the nation’s oldest college football All-America team
For Immediate Release: June 30, 2026
A Little History
Walter Camp is the nation’s oldest college football All-America team. Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later in 1889, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first ever college football All-America team.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.
Typically announced in early December, the Walter Camp All-America teams are selected by the FBS head coaches and sports information directors.
- From 1889 to 1964, eleven players were selected.
- In 1965, both offensive and defensive teams were picked.
- In 1972, the first punter (Ray Guy, Southern Mississippi) was honored.
- In 1975, the first placekicker (Chris Bahr, Penn State) was selected.
- In 1998, the first-ever Second Team All-America team was recognized.
- In 2001, the first kick returner (Herb Haygood, Michigan State) was picked.
- In 2024, the first player (Travis Hunter, Colorado) earned First Team honors on both offense and defense.
Representations
- Players from 28 different schools and seven conferences (including independents) are represented on the 2026 Walter Camp Preseason All-America First and Second teams.
- The Southeastern Conference has the most schools (12) and players (21) on the 2026 preseason team, followed by the Big Ten (7 schools, 16 players). The Big 12 Conference has four players from four of its member schools.
- Texas has the most preseason All-Americans (5), while defending national champion Indiana and fellow Big Ten member Oregon each have four.
- Three schools (Ohio State, Notre Dame and Georgia) each have three players on the preseason All-America teams.
Good to See You Again
- Eight players on the 2026 preseason list earned 2025 Walter Camp All-America First and Second Team honors, led by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (First Team), Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy (First Team) and Notre Dame defensive back Leonard Moore (First Team).
- Smith is actually a two-time Walter Camp All-American – he earned Second Team honors in 2024 and was named to the first-team in 2025.
Please also note: the Foundation will be announcing the Players to Watch for the 2026 Walter Camp Player of Year on Monday, August 17 as part of the National College Football Awards Association Watch List rollout.
2026 Walter Camp PRESEASON All-America Teams
First Team Offense:
Wide Receiver: Malachi Toney (Miami), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)*
Tight End: Trey’Dez Green (LSU)
Offensive Line: Carter Smith (Indiana)#, Trevor Goosby (Texas), Austin Siereveld (Ohio State), Anthonie Knapp (Notre Dame)
Center: Kade Pieper (Iowa)
Quarterback: Arch Manning (Texas)
Running Back: Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss), Ahmad Hardy (Missouri)*
Placekicker: Tate Sandell (Oklahoma)#
First Team Defense
Defensive Line: Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), Colin Simmons (Texas), Tyrique Tucker (Indiana), Teitum Tuioti (Oregon)
Linebacker: Xavier Atkins (Auburn), Sammy Brown (Clemson), Rasheem Biles (Texas)
Defensive Back: Kelley Jones (Mississippi State), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame)*, Brandon Finney, Jr. (Oregon), KJ Bolden (Georgia)
Punter: Palmer Williams (Baylor)
Kick Returner: Da’Realyst Clark (Kent State)
Second Team Offense
Wide Receiver: Cam Coleman (Texas), KJ Duff (Rutgers)
Tight End: Jamari Johnson (Oregon)
Offensive Line: Evan Tengesdahl (Cincinnati), Wendell Moe, Jr. (Tennessee), Jordan Seaton (LSU), Andrew Sprague (Michigan)
Center: Drew Bobo (Georgia)
Quarterback: Julian Sayin (Ohio State)#
Running Back: Cam Cook (West Virginia), Caleb Hawkins (Oklahoma State)#
Placekicker: Lucas Carneiro (Ole Miss)
Second Team Defense
Defensive Line: A’Mauri Washington (Oregon), Anthony Smith (Minnesota), David Stone (Oklahoma), John Henry Daley (Michigan)#
Linebacker: Rolijah Hardy (Indiana), Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asu (Notre Dame), Isaiah Jones (Indiana)
Defensive Back: Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia), Marcus Ratcliffe (Texas A&M), Bryce Fitzgerald (Miami)
Punter: Evan Crenshaw (Troy)
Kick Returner: Chauncy Cobb (Arkansas State)
* – 2025 First Team Walter Camp All-America selection
# – 2025 Second Team Walter Camp All-America selection
Walter Camp Football Foundation to Honor Five Legends at 2026 Ring of Honor Dinner
The Walter Camp Football Foundation announced that five distinguished figures who have made a lasting impact on the sport will be honored at the 2026 Walter Camp Ring of Honor Dinner on Sunday, July 12 at Race Brook Country Club in Orange, CT.
Tickets to the Ring of Honor dinner are $175 each and can be purchased online or by contacting Ernie Williams at (203) 530-8379.
This year’s Ring of Honor recipients are Morten Andersen and David Fulcher, while 2000 Walter Camp Player of Year and current University of Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is being recognized as the Man of the Year.
The Ring of Honor Dinner, one of the Foundation’s signature annual events, celebrates individuals whose excellence on and off the field reflects the values of Walter Camp, the “Father of American Football.” The 2026 class represents a remarkable cross‑section of athletic greatness, coaching success, and influential service to the sport.
Morten Andersen (Michigan State) – Ring of Honor – Widely regarded as the gold standard for placekicking excellence. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Andersen came to the United States as a high‑school exchange student and went on to become a trailblazer for international athletes in American football.
At Michigan State, Andersen earned Walter Camp All‑America honors in 1981 before being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 1982 NFL Draft. Over a remarkable 25‑year NFL career, he became one of the league’s most durable and productive players, competing for the Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings.
Andersen retired as the NFL’s all‑time leading scorer with 2,544 points, a record that stood for more than a decade. He remains all‑time leading scorer for both the Saints and Falcons and holds numerous league marks, including games played, field goals made, and points scored after age 40. His signature moments—most notably the game‑winning kick that sent Atlanta to its first Super Bowl in 1998—cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most clutch performers.
In 2008, Andersen was named the Walter Camp Man of the Year. In 2017, Andersen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming just the second pure placekicker ever enshrined. His career is celebrated not only for its longevity and production, but for the professionalism, precision, and competitive spirit that defined his approach to the game.
Today, Andersen remains an ambassador for football, working in media, youth development, and philanthropic initiatives while continuing to inspire the next generation of specialists.
David Fulcher (Arizona State) – Ring of Honor – A standout at Arizona State University, Fulcher was a three-time All-Pac-10 honoree and earned Walter Camp All-America honors in 1985.
Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1986 NFL Draft, Fulcher quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive playmakers. A three‑time Pro Bowler and 1988 First Team All‑Pro, he anchored the Bengals’ secondary during their run to Super Bowl XXIII, earning a reputation as a fierce hitter with exceptional coverage ability.
Off the field, Fulcher has built an equally impactful legacy. He has dedicated his post‑playing career to community service, youth mentorship, and advocacy, including significant work supporting individuals living with multiple sclerosis. His leadership, character, and commitment to giving back have made him a respected figure far beyond the football field.
A great friend to the Walter Camp Foundation, Fulcher has served as the Alumni President and is a frequent attendee to events.
Josh Heupel (Okahoma) – Man of the Year – A national championship quarterback at Oklahoma and one of college football’s most innovative head coaches, Heupel has revitalized programs with his high‑powered offensive philosophy and player‑first leadership. His impact continues to shape the modern college game.
A standout at the University of Oklahoma, Heupel led the Sooners to the 2000 national championship, earning Walter Camp Player of the Year, Heisman Trophy runner‑up, and unanimous First Team All‑America honors. His leadership, accuracy, and command of the offense made him one of the most decorated quarterbacks of his era and a central figure in Oklahoma’s return to national prominence.
Following his playing career, Heupel transitioned seamlessly into coaching, quickly earning a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in the game. His quarterback development and high‑tempo, high‑efficiency system helped elevate programs at Oklahoma, Utah State, and Missouri before he became head coach at UCF, where he posted a 28–8 record and led the Knights to multiple Top‑25 finishes.
In 2021, Heupel took over at the University of Tennessee and engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in SEC history. Under his leadership, the Volunteers have become known for their explosive offense, elite quarterback play, and national relevance—highlighted by an 11‑2 season in 2022, a New Year’s Six bowl victory, and Tennessee’s first No. 1 ranking in the College Football Playoff era.
Respected for his authenticity, player‑first culture, and innovative approach to the modern game, Heupel continues to shape the trajectory of college football while inspiring the next generation of student‑athletes.
Robert Berchem – Champion of Community Award – A longtime supporter, advisor, and champion of the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Robert (Bob) Berchem has played a role in strengthening the organization’s mission, outreach, and community presence.
Bob serves as President of Berchem Moses PC and Chair of its Business Services Department. He graduated with honors from Fairfield University, and from Villanova Law School. Bob was awarded a William Cook Fellowship by the University of Michigan’s Law School from which received his Masters of Law in 1967. Bob then returned to Milford and joined a local two-person general practice law firm. During the next 55 years, he brought the firm to statewide prominence. Berchem Moses PC now has over thirty-five lawyers and has added an additional office in Westport, Connecticut.
Bob has served as a Trustee of Fairfield University and as Chair of the University of Bridgeport Board of Trustees. Consistent with Bob’s willingness to give back to the community, Berchem Moses PC has been a leading contributor to countless charitable organizations in greater Milford and beyond. Bob has given his time to many local organizations, including the Milford Historic District Commission which he chairs, the Milford Jaycees, the Milford Orange YMCA, Bridgeport Hospital and the Cardinal Shehan Center. Bob has been a member of the Board of Directors of Boys and Girls Village and is a member and former President of Race Brook Country Club.
John Bianco – Sports Communicator Award – A respected communications executive and longtime advocate for student‑athletes, John Bianco has been instrumental in shaping the public voice of major college football programs. His professionalism and dedication have made him one of the most trusted figures in collegiate athletics.
The Walter Camp Sports Communicator award is named in memory of Bill Keish, who was a longtime Foundation member and chairman of the public relations committee. The award originated as the Foundation’s “Media Appreciation” award. It was awarded to local sports media professionals in recognition of their contributions on behalf of the WCFF. It has recently been expanded to a broader scope, recognizing contributions to sports communications. Bianco joins Steve Roe (Iowa), Tim Tessalone (USC) and Mark Cohen (TCU) as recipients of the award.
Bianco has been working with Texas Athletics for the past 32 years in a multitude of different capacities.
Currently the Senior Associate Athletics Director, Communications – Football, John’s current role sees him working with many of the biggest media members in the entire country and providing them amazing support as they cover Longhorn Athletics.
A member of the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame, Bianco was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 2016 and has taken pride working for an athletics program that has an incredible tradition of success and produces elite student-athletes across all sports. Bianco has promoted a multitude of Longhorn Walter Camp All-Americans in his 30-plus years, including two-time Player of the Year Colt McCoy (2008 and 2009).
Walter Camp Ring of Honor Recipients
2026 – Morten Andersen (Michigan State), David Fulcher (Arizona State)
2025 – George Rogers (South Carolina), Jeff Burris (Notre Dame)
2024 – Will Shields (Nebraska), Charlie Ward (Florida State)
2023 – Jimbo Covert (Pittsburgh), Kellen Winslow (Missouri)
2022 – Archie Griffin (The Ohio State University), Ty Law (Michigan)
2021 – Tommie Frazier (Nebraska), Cornelius Bennett (Alabama), Hugh Green (Pittsburgh)
2020 – No recipients
2019 – Tony Dorsett (Pittsburgh), Tim Brown (Notre Dame)
2018 – Herschel Walker (Georgia)
About the Walter Camp Football Foundation
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.
