Written by Eric Martinez - Six individuals pivotal to the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and college football will be honored with induction into the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame next spring at AT&T Stadium.  This year's 15th Hall of Fame class includes Rick Baker, Mack Brown, Bruce Gadd, Lance McIlhenny, Tyrann Mathieu, and Aaron Taylor.

The 2027 class was announced on October 7 at the Ewing Automotive Group Classic Keynote event in Dallas. These honorees will join a group of 99 individuals who have significantly impacted the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, one of America’s original bowl games.
 
RICK BAKER, CBAA PRESIDENT & CEO 

General Manager: 1989-92 

President/CEO: 1992-2026 

Rick Baker expertly created unforgettable memories as President and CEO of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association for 38 years. His attention to detail enhanced the Cotton Bowl Classic's reputation for hospitality and event management. Rather than seeking personal recognition, he focused on others, understanding that securing sponsorships and negotiating deals involved the entire CBAA Board and staff. The bold move to AT&T Stadium positioned the Classic within the College Football Playoff. His legacies include the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame and the Cotton Bowl Foundation, making dreams a reality.

*****
 
HEAD COACH MACK BROWN, TEXAS 

1999 Classic: Texas 38, Mississippi State 11 

2000 Classic: Arkansas 27, Texas 6 

2003 Classic: Texas 35, LSU 20 

Classic Record: 2-1-0 

Mack Brown enjoyed a remarkable 36-year coaching career, securing 288 wins, primarily during his 16 years at the University of Texas. For him, football was about impacting young lives, fostering camaraderie, and community. This philosophy led to a 158-48 record and a .767 winning percentage. As a two-time National Coach of the Year, he guided the Longhorns to the 2005 BCS Championship and led teams to 26 bowl games, winning the Cotton Bowl Classics in 1999 and 2003. Off the field, he instilled success values in his players, embodying integrity and commitment to his principles.

*****
 
BRUCE GADD, CBAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

CBAA Board of Directors: 1987-Present 

CBAA Chair: 2006-08 

CBAA Team Host: 1988-2006 

Bruce Gadd faced a significant challenge as Chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, leading the initiative to relocate the Classic from Dallas to Arlington's AT&T Stadium. Drawing on his college quarterback experience at Rice, Gadd navigated the political complexities surrounding the decision, securing a unanimous Board vote to move to a new venue, revitalizing the Cotton Bowl Classic’s reputation. The decisive vote took place on February 27, 2007, at 8:42 a.m., marking another triumph for Gadd.

*****
 
LANCE McILHENNY, SMU, QUARTERBACK 

1983 Classic: SMU 7, Pittsburgh 3 

Rushing: 14 attempts, minus-17 yards, 1 TD 

Passing: 5-8-0, 101 yards 

Lance McIlhenny, the all-time winningest quarterback in Southwest Conference history, was the epitome of a coach's ideal player. During the 47th Cotton Bowl Classic in 1983, he ignited the spark that led to an unforgettable SMU triumph over Pittsburgh. With the Panthers clinging to a narrow 3-0 lead early in the fourth quarter, McIlhenny showcased his determination, orchestrating an impressive 80-yard drive in just 11 plays to secure the game-winning touchdown. Executing his deceptive tactics flawlessly, McIlhenny faked a dive to Eric Dickerson before pitching to Craig James. With Pittsburgh fully committed to both fakes, he seized the moment, darting around the corner for a nine-yard touchdown, clinching a 7-3 victory for SMU—the Mustangs' first Classic win since 1948.

*****

TYRANN MATHIEU, CORNERBACK, LSU 

2011 Classic: LSU 41, Texas A&M 24

Defensive Statistics: 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup** 

When a true freshman claims Outstanding Player honors in a major bowl game, it grabs attention. Tyrann Mathieu, LSU's tenacious cornerback, achieved this during the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic. He recorded eight tackles, a sack, an interception, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup in the Tigers' 41-24 win over Texas A&M. A potential touchdown was overturned by a penalty after Mathieu's impressive strip of a receiver. Known for his fearless style, he excelled at creating turnovers. While true freshmen have won Outstanding Player honors five times in the Classic, Mathieu became only the second rookie to earn Defensive MVP.

*****
 
AARON TAYLOR, NOTRE DAME, OFFENSIVE TACKLE

1993 Classic: Notre Dame 28, Texas A&M 3 

1994 Classic: Notre Dame 24, Texas A&M 21 
1993 Team Statistics: 

290 yards rushing, 149 yards passing, 439 total offense 
1994 Team Statistics: 

206 yards rushing, 105 yards passing, 311 total offense 

Aaron Taylor is one of Notre Dame's top offensive linemen. He was a consensus first-team All-American as a junior and a unanimous selection in his senior year. During his time, the Fighting Irish had a 40-8-1 record and ranked in the Associated Press' Top 5 twice. Notably, they defeated Texas A&M in two Cotton Bowl Classics, with a total offense of 439 yards for a 28-3 win in 1993, and a close 24