JACKSONVILLE – Freddy T is closer once again.

Former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, the leading rusher in franchise history, on Tuesday was named a modern-era semifinalist for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. It's Taylor's seventh consecutive year as a semifinalist.

Taylor was among 26 semifinalists announced Tuesday morning.

Taylor, the No. 9 overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft, rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns in 13 NFL seasons. He rushed for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns with Jacksonville from 1998-2008.

Five first-year eligible players were among the 26 semifinalists named Tuesday: Quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, running back Frank Gore, quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Jason Witten. To be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a nominated individual must not have participated as an active player for five consecutive seasons.

The semifinalists next will be trimmed to 15 modern-era finalists. The Class of 2026 will be announced during the week leading to Super Bowl LIX in San Francisco.