Title: Blue and White Immortals: Penn State Legends Enshrined in 2026 Hall of Fame Class
ATLANTA, Ga. — On a crisp spring afternoon under the marble dome of the College Football Hall of Fame, the 2026 induction ceremony took a storied turn as three Penn State icons—quarterback Trace McSorley, linebacker Paul Posluszny, and longtime assistant coach Larry Johnson Sr.—were immortalized in college football history.
The Hall’s main auditorium roared with applause as the blue-and-white faithful filled every seat, some wearing throwback jerseys, others holding framed Sports Illustrated covers and weathered Rose Bowl tickets. For many, this day was decades in the making.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment since I first put on that white helmet with the blue stripe,” said Trace McSorley, his voice trembling slightly behind the podium. The former Nittany Lion quarterback—Penn State’s all-time leader in wins (31), passing yards (9,899), and total touchdowns (107)—redefined resilience during his tenure from 2015 to 2018. His 2016 Big Ten Championship Game performance, where he threw for 384 yards and four touchdowns, remains etched in Penn State lore.
Flanking him on stage was Paul Posluszny, the linebacker often described as a living embodiment of Linebacker U. Wearing his trademark humility like a badge of honor, Posluszny reflected on his days under Coach Joe Paterno and his back-to-back consensus All-American honors in 2005 and 2006. “Being a Nittany Lion taught me to lead with integrity and to hit like my life depended on it,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd. Posluszny, who also won the Bednarik Award and the Butkus Award, finished his collegiate career with 372 tackles, 9 forced fumbles, and the admiration of nearly every defensive coach in the country.
But perhaps the most emotional induction was that of Larry Johnson Sr., a coaching legend who spent nearly two decades molding some of the most fearsome defensive linemen in the game. Johnson was introduced by Jared Odrick and Tamba Hali—both former protégés—who recalled his 4:30 a.m. workouts, meticulous film sessions, and unwavering insistence on excellence. “Coach Johnson didn’t just coach technique,” Hali said. “He built men.”
While Johnson is more recently associated with Ohio State, it was his work at Penn State from 1996 to 2013 that established his national legacy. He produced six first-round NFL Draft picks and was the architect behind units that finished top-five nationally in sacks and tackles for loss. “This honor isn’t mine alone,” Johnson said, holding up his Hall of Fame plaque. “It belongs to every young man who trusted me to push them to greatness.”
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative Penn State display inside the Hall of Fame’s Legacy Wing. At its center: a bronze statue depicting McSorley dodging a blitz, Posluszny poised for a tackle, and Johnson mid-clap, commanding the line.
Back in State College, Old Main rang out a special chime as the Nittany Lion mascot danced down College Avenue. For Penn Staters across generations, the 2026 Hall of Fame class was more than an honor—it was a reminder that greatness, grit, and glory still wear blue and white.
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