By Josh Dubow

AP Pro Football Writer

Quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Larry Fitzgerald advanced to the next stage of consideration for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class in their first year of eligibility.

Six other players in their first year of eligibility advanced from the original list of 128 modern-era nominees for this year’s class to the 52 that will be considered by the full selection committee.

The other players in their first year of eligibility who advanced in voting by a screening committee are quarterback Philip Rivers; tight ends Greg Olsen and Jason Witten; running backs Frank Gore and LeSean McCoy; and offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey.

The full 50-member selection committee will reduce the list to 25 and then 15 finalists, who will be voted on before the Super Bowl in February.

Four players have already guaranteed themselves spots in the final 15 after making it down to the final seven players in the 2025 class, with Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri taking those spots.

The other returning finalists are Eli Manning, Fred Taylor, Steve Smith Sr., Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs and Darren Woodson.

In addition to the 15 modern-era finalists, the selection committee will consider three seniors, one coach and one contributor for the class of 2026. Between four and eight new members will be elected in the second year of this current format.

Only four people got in last year for the smallest class in 20 years.