For the fourth year in a row, offensive tackle Willie Anderson is a modern-era finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s next class of inductees.

And for the fourth year in a row, pass rusher Robert Mathis did not advance to finalist status after reaching the semifinalist round of the enshrinement process.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 15 modern-era finalists for its Class of 2025 on Saturday. As with the Classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024, the list included Anderson, who prepped at Vigor High School in Prichard before playing for Auburn.

As many as five of the modern-era candidates will be chosen for the Class of 2025 by the 49-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

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The other modern-era finalists for the Class of 2025 include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Steve Smith, Terrell Suggs, Fred Taylor, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson and Marshal Yanda.

A player is considered modern era if he has been retired for at least five seasons and was active within the past 25 seasons.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 will be announced on Feb. 6.

Also under consideration for the Class of 2025 will be former Bessemer High School standout Maxie Baughan, who joins Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer as the senior nominees (players predating the 25-year window for modern-era candidates). The coach finalist is Mike Holmgren, and the contributor finalist is Ralph Hay.

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The 15 modern-era finalists advanced from 25 semifinalists, who were selected from a group of 50 who were chosen from the 167 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

A former Alabama A&M standout, Mathis joined Anquan Boldin, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Richmond Webb, Vince Wilfork and Steve Wisniewski as the semifinalists who did not advance to finalist status.

Two players with Alabama football roots among the final 50 didn’t make it to the 25 semifinalists — running back Shaun Alexander (Alabama) and linebacker Cornelius Bennett (Ensley, Alabama).

Players from Alabama high schools and colleges among the original list of modern-era nominees for the Class of 2025 who didn’t reach the final 50 were running back Stephen Davis (Auburn), fullback Tony Richardson (Daleville, Auburn), linebacker Takeo Spikes (Auburn), defensive end Justin Tuck (Central-Coosa) and wide receiver Roddy White (UAB).

The 10th pick in the 1996 draft and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team, Anderson became a fixture at right offensive tackle for Cincinnati, starting every Bengals game except for two from 1997 through 2006. From 2003 through 2006, he was on the AFC Pro Bowl team annually, and he made first-team All-Pro in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Anderson blocked for nine 1,000-yard rushers and was upfront for two record-setting games by running back Corey Dillon — an NFL rookie record 246 rushing yards against the Tennessee Oilers in 1997 and an NFL record 278 rushing yards versus the Denver Broncos in 2000.

Anderson played in 195 regular-season games and four playoff contests during his 13 NFL seasons.

Sixteen men who played at Alabama high schools and colleges are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The state’s Hall of Famers are Robert Brazile (Vigor), Buck Buchanan (Parker High School in Birmingham), Frank Gatski (Auburn), Kevin Greene (Auburn), John Hannah (Albertville High School, Alabama), Don Hutson (Alabama), Walter Jones (Aliceville High School), Joe Namath (Alabama), Ozzie Newsome (Colbert County High School, Alabama), Terrell Owens (Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City), Ken Stabler (Foley High School, Alabama), John Stallworth (Tuscaloosa, Alabama A&M), Bart Starr (Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama), Dwight Stephenson (Alabama), Derrick Thomas (Alabama) and DeMarcus Ware (Auburn High, Troy).

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.