Legendary Bronco leader Chris Petersen is joining the College Football Hall of Fame, marking a historic first for a Boise State coach’s induction.
BOISE, Idaho — Legendary Boise State football coach Chris Petersen has been named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced Wednesday.
Petersen, who guided the Broncos from 2006-13, is one of four coaches in the 2026 class. Eighteen players will also be inducted, including Aaron Donald, Mark Ingram and others.
As the head coach of the Broncos, Petersen led the program to national prominence, including a 92-12 (88.5%) record and bowl appearances in all eight seasons at the helm.
Most famously, Petersen led Boise State to the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma, the program’s first BCS bowl game.
Petersen is the winningest coach in Boise State history.
It’s the first time a Boise State coach will be entered into the College Football Hall of Fame. Randy Trautman (1999) is the only other Bronco to join the College Football Hall of Fame.
Petersen will officially be inducted at the NFF’s Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8, 2026 in Las Vegas.
