UTA's Bruce Collie named to College Football Hall of Fame
Former University of Texas at Arlington offensive lineman Bruce Collie (1980-84) has been announced as a member of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced during College Football Live Presented by Great Clips on ESPN2.
"We are thrilled to announce the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class," said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from Mississippi. "Each of these legends ranks among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to adding their incredible accomplishments to those permanently enshrined in the NFF Hall of Fame."
The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Tickets are available at https://NFF2026.givesmart.com.
The inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the fall. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Each inductee will receive a custom ring created by Jostens, the official and exclusive supplier of NFF rings.
"We want thank ESPN for the opportunity to announce the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class on College Football Live today," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Today's announcement shines a light on the accomplishments of some of college football's greatest legends, and we are grateful to everyone who has played a role in today's announcement."
Collie starred on the offensive line at UT Arlington from 1980–84, establishing himself as one of the most dominant linemen in the nation. The San Antonio native becomes the first person ever from the Mavericks program to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
"This is an exciting day for the UTA family," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jon Fagg said. "Having Bruce as our first member of the College Football Hall of Fame is an incredible honor for him, his family and all of us here at UTA. This is such a great opportunity to recognize UTA's rich football history and remember its wonderful contribution to UTA and the Arlington community."
Collie utilized his 6-foot-6, 300-pound frame with exceptional strength, leverage, and technique to create an imposing force on the offensive line, and his efforts led to UTA's sustained success during the early 1980s, including a Southland Conference championship and a 10-2 record in 1981.
Despite returning from an ankle injury, Collie delivered an outstanding senior season, earning First Team All-America honors from both the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association in 1984. He claimed Honorable Mention All-America recognition as both a sophomore and junior.
His powerful run blocking and dependable pass protection, which fueled the offense's ground game and air attack, also earned him three consecutive All-Southland Conference selections, establishing him as one of the premier linemen at the Division I-AA level.
"UT Arlington is so proud to see Bruce inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame," UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. "This honor reflects an extraordinary career on the field and is a reminder that our alumni have carried this institution to great heights. Congratulations to Bruce and his family."
His college accolades led to his invitation to the prestigious Blue-Gray All-Star Game, and he was selected in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He played in the NFL from 1985 to 1991, winning two Super Bowls in 1989 and 1990 with the 49ers before concluding his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Born in Nuremberg, Bavaria, West Germany, to American parents stationed there, Collie relocated to San Antonio at age three, where he attended Robert E. Lee High School and excelled in football. After his professional football career, he returned to Texas, raising 13 children and operating family-owned businesses in Wimberley.
He was inducted into the UTA Athletics Hall of Honor in 2002 and the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.