Former University of Colorado defensive back Chris Hudson has been selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. This announcement was made by the National Football Foundation on March 15, 2024. Hudson’s induction will mark him as the 12th player from the University of Colorado, affectionately known as the CU Buffs, to receive this prestigious honor.
Hudson, now 54 years old, played for the Buffs from 1991 to 1994 and remains a significant figure in the program’s history. He ranks second all-time at CU with 15 career interceptions. His outstanding performance during his senior year in 1994 earned him the coveted Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing him as the best defensive back in college football.
Reflecting on his selection, Hudson expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s amazing and you’re not sure what to think until it really sinks in.” He emphasized that this honor represents not just his individual achievements, but also the collective effort of his teammates. “I always wanted to do my best to put us in position to win and was proud to be a team player first and foremost,” he added in a press release from CU Athletics.
Hudson’s college career began with a remarkable achievement, contributing to a Big Eight championship team in 1991. As a freshman, he led the Buffs with four interceptions. The following year, he helped the team secure a record of 9-2-1, again showcasing his defensive skills with four more interceptions, playing alongside Deon Figures, who won the Thorpe Award that same year. As a junior in 1993, Hudson continued his impressive performance, adding another four interceptions to his tally and helping CU to an 8-3-1 season.
The 1994 season proved to be particularly memorable for Hudson and the Buffs. The team, featuring notable players like Rashaan Salaam, who won the Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Kordell Stewart, finished with an 11-1 record, suffering their only loss to Nebraska. Hudson’s contributions in 1994 included 37 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups, despite contending with a turf toe injury that limited his mobility. Opposing quarterbacks were often reluctant to target him, as he allowed just five completions and no touchdowns during 186 coverage snaps that season.
Over the course of his four years at CU, the team achieved a record of 36-9-3, marking the latter part of Bill McCartney’s legendary coaching tenure. Hudson was previously inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016, underscoring his lasting impact on the program.
In his statement, Hudson expressed his appreciation for the bond he formed with his teammates. “I considered everyone on those teams as my brothers, and I still do. We were very much like a family, coaches, players, and support staff. They all played a role in my success,” he remarked. He also highlighted the influence of Coach McCartney, stating, “He truly cared about all of us.”
Hudson joins the ranks of other CU legends from the 1994 team who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Salaam, who was honored in 2022, and receiver Michael Westbrook, inducted in 2020. Coach McCartney himself was enshrined in 2013. The university’s other Hall of Famers include Byron White (1952), Joe Romig (1984), Dick Anderson (1993), Bobby Anderson (2006), Alfred Williams (2010), John Wooten (2012), and Herb Orvis (2016).
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes a total of 18 players and four coaches, with the official induction ceremony scheduled for December 8, 2026, during the 68th NFF awards dinner in Las Vegas. Hudson will be enshrined alongside other notable players such as Ki-Jana Carter (Penn State), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), and Marvin Harrison (Syracuse).
As Hudson prepares to enter the Hall of Fame, he reflects on the values instilled in him during his time at CU, a university that continues to hold a special place in his heart. His pride in the institution is evident, as he notes that his son, Ashton, currently attends the university as a sophomore honors student. Hudson views this honor as a family legacy, affirming, “It’s an honor and privilege for both of us.”
