For North Champs, I see 2056 or 503 as very strong contenders. 2056 is similar to 987 in the fact that they are well rounded-- an inspirational robot and dedicated outreach. 503 has been a steady representation, winning a Chairman's Award at Michigan State Champs 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010. That is simply amazing. Their record even goes farther to that. However, that is not to say a strong record like theirs is a deciding factor of who will become HoF, but I think it says a lot about 503.
For South Champs, 2486 has inspired other submissions to be strong contenders. Fun fact, 3309 based their executive question off of a format that 2486 has created, and then won in LA for the first time. That isn't to say that South Champs is necessarily decided however. 1868 has strong outreach, 207 has earned Engineering Inspiration consistently, and may begin to have the same effect for Chairman's, 604 has been a Chairman's team in NorCal consistently. 1540 has had a strong streak as well by earning a CA at the 2016, 2015, and 2014 PNW Champs.
Personally, I do not have any guesses. I'm just observing who has consistently earned a Chairman's Award and relaying that information. Over time, it can become harder for a team to have "streaks" because it can become increasingly difficult for said team to improve and represent themselves. I've heard it said that the first CA award is easier than the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. So, for the teams that have these said "streaks" continuing to be role models in this fashion is very much in line with what it means to be HoF.
However! Winning a CA in your area can be completely different than winning it at a World or (North and South Champs). Maybe these teams will have different outreach strategies this year to push themselves over the edge to become a HoF. We'll see. There is some time.
