Announcing The Class of 2026
January 14, 2026 (Atlanta, GA) – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced today its Class of 2026. The six-member class was selected from a list of 28 finalists previously determined by the BCFHOF Selection Committee.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes:
- Jimmy Smith (Jackson State)
- Eddie Robinson, Jr. (Alabama State)
- Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman)
- Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State)
- Coach Rudy Hubbard (Florida A&M)
- Steve Wyche (Howard)
“What we have with the Class of 2026 is an incredible showcase of excellence, leadership, and impact that continues to come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. “When the Black College Hall of Fame was established, its purpose was to elevate and recognize the past, present, and future of Black College Football. This class exemplifies that mission.”
Votes were tallied from the nine-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators, and historians, along with former NFL general managers and executives, and members of the BCFHOF, to determine the Class of 2026.
The Class of 2026 will be officially honored at the 17th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, on June 6, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Inductees will also be recognized during halftime of the 5th Annual Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 21, 2026, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, airing live on NFL Network at 3:00 PM CT.
Class of 2026
Jimmy Smith
Jacksonville Jaguars All-Time Leading Receiver — Smith became one of the cornerstone offensive players for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995 to 2005, leading the team in receiving each season over that span and setting franchise records for receptions and receiving yards.
Pro Bowl and League Honors — A five-time Pro Bowl selection (1997–2001) and two-time Second-Team All-Pro, he also led the NFL in receptions in 1999 and was inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars, the franchise’s ring of honor.
Impressive Career Statistics — Over his 11-year career, Smith totaled 862 receptions for 12,287 yards and 67 touchdowns, ranking among the top receivers in league history at the time of his retirement.
Resilient and Impactful Performer — After early setbacks with injuries and limited opportunities, he emerged as one of the most productive receivers of his era, including a historic 15-reception, 291-yard, 3-touchdown performance against the Baltimore Ravens in 2000.
Collegiate Success at Jackson State — Before his NFL career, Smith was a standout wide receiver at Jackson State University, where he developed into a top prospect and earned recognition that led to his high draft selection.
Eddie Robinson Jr.
Head Football Coach at Alabama State University — Named the 30th head coach on November 26, 2021, entering his fourth season leading the Hornets while helping restore winning culture and strong fan engagement.
Alabama State Alumnus and Standout Linebacker — A New Orleans native, he walked on at ASU, earned a chemistry degree in 1994, lettered all four seasons, and was a two-time All-SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sheridan All-American.
SWAC Hall of Fame Inductee — Became the youngest inductee in Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame history at age 28 and was later recognized as a MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legend.
11-Year NFL Veteran — Selected 50th overall in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, he played for Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Buffalo, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Titans. College Football.
Analyst and Broadcaster — Spent nearly a decade as a college football analyst for Fox Sports South, ESPNU, and ESPN3, and co-hosted the weekly television show INSIDE SWAC.
Leader, Mentor, and Community Advocate — Actively supports youth development and HBCU athletics through football camps, community outreach, and service as an NFL Ambassador for USA Football.
Nick Collins
Seven-Year NFL Career with the Green Bay Packers — Selected 51st overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, he became a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense and one of the NFL’s premier safeties.
Super Bowl XLV Champion — Played a pivotal role in Green Bay’s championship run, highlighted by a memorable interception returned for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
Three-Time Pro Bowl and All-Pro Performer — Earned three Pro Bowl selections and three Second-Team All-Pro honors, consistently ranking among the league’s elite defensive backs.
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inductee — Inducted in 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the most impactful defensive players in franchise history.
Bethune-Cookman Alumnus and Defensive Standout — A native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, he starred at free safety for the Wildcats, earned All-MEAC honors, and was later inducted into the Bethune-Cookman Athletics Hall of Fame.
Bethune-Cookman Cornerbacks Coach and Mentor — Returned to his alma mater to help develop defensive backs, bringing championship experience and professional insight to the Wildcats’ coaching staff.
Tyrone Poole
13-Year NFL Veteran Cornerback — Drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft, Poole enjoyed a long professional career with the Panthers, Colts, Broncos, Patriots, Raiders, and Titans, totaling 486 tackles and 18 interceptions.
Two-Time Super Bowl Champion — A key contributor in New England, Poole earned back-to-back Super Bowl rings with the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX.
Fort Valley State All-American and Trailblazer — At Fort Valley State University, he was a four-year starter and became the first player in school history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, also starring in track and field.
Hall of Fame & Honors — Poole’s legacy includes inductions into the Division II Football Hall of Fame and SIAC Hall of Fame, and recognition in the Fort Valley State Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for his excellence on and off the field.
Head Coach, Alabama State Women’s Flag Football — Hired to lead Alabama State University’s women’s flag football program, Poole brings championship pedigree, leadership, and a passion for mentorship to growing the sport at the collegiate level.
Author, Entrepreneur, and Community Advocate — Beyond football, he’s a published author, inventor, and founder of the Tyrone Poole 38 Foundation, focusing on fitness, education, and humanitarian outreach.
Coach Rudy Hubbard
Legendary Florida A&M Head Football Coach — Served as head coach from 1974–1985, compiling an 83–48–3 record, ranking among the winningest coaches in school history.
National and Black College Football Champion — Led the Rattlers to the inaugural NCAA Division I‑AA Football Championship in 1978 and back‑to‑back Black College National Championships in 1977 and 1978, a historic achievement for HBCU football.
Orange Blossom Classic Success — Guided Florida A&M to five consecutive Orange Blossom Classic victories (1974–1978), solidifying the Rattlers’ dominance in HBCU football.
College Football Hall of Fame Inductee — Enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach (Class of 2021), honoring his leadership, championship pedigree, and lasting impact on the game.
Ohio State Running Back and Historic Assistant Coach — Lettered at Ohio State from 1965–1967 and became the first African-American assistant coach on Woody Hayes’ staff, contributing to multiple championship teams.
High School Head Coach and Community Leader — Returned to coaching later at James S. Rickards High School in Tallahassee, continuing his dedication to mentoring young athletes before retirement.
Steve Wyche
HBCU Advocate & Champion of Black College Football — A 1989 Howard University journalism graduate, Wyche consistently elevates the visibility of Historically Black Colleges and Universities through national coverage, including HBCU GO broadcasts and HBCU Legacy Bowl analysis, spotlighting the rich culture and talent pipeline of HBCU athletics.
Chief National Reporter & Senior NFL Media Analyst — Veteran journalist for NFL Network and NFL.com since 2008, delivering insider reporting, league analysis, and moderating key panel discussions across NFL programming.
Broadcast Presence & Studio Contributor — Regular contributor to studio shows, co‑host of Game Day Preview, and frequent on‑site reporter for marquee league events including playoff games and the Super Bowl.
Distinguished Sports Journalism Career — Built an expansive reporting résumé with major outlets including the Miami Herald (covering NFL, NBA, and collegiate teams), The Washington Post (NBA/Wizards), ESPN/ESPN2, and as beat writer for the Atlanta Falcons before joining NFL Media.
Howard University Alumnus & Early Reporting Roots — Earned a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University, where he began developing his reporting skills; first professional roles included covering high school and small college sports for the Richmond Times‑Dispatch.
About the Black College Football Hall of Fame
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been over 100 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) has a permanent home at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF) to tell the story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
About the HBCU Legacy Bowl
The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame is a postseason all-star game that showcases the top 100 NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game will be played on the Saturday, February 21, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University, and broadcast live on NFL Network.
More than a football game, the week-long celebration of Black culture and history will provide invaluable exposure for HBCU students. HBCU Legacy Bowl Founding Partners include Allstate, the National Football League, adidas, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Coca-Cola, Coors Light, New Orleans Saints, Delta Airlines, Riddell, Allstate Sugar Bowl, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Follow the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on social media via @HBCULegacyBowl or visit www.HBCULegacyBowl.com for more information.