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), and 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.
Smith Jr. played in the National Football League after being selected in the second round (36th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft, earning two Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII). He 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.
He was 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. 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. 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.
Before his NFL career, Smith was a standout wide receiver at Jackson State, where he developed into a top prospect and earned recognition that led to his high draft selection. He became a starter as a junior, teaming with Tim Barnett and becoming the top receiving duo in Division I-AA, while registering 40 receptions (led the team) for 877 yards (21.3-yard average) and nine touchdowns. Against Southern University, he had four receptions for 184 yards and tied a school record with three receiving touchdowns (70, 64 and 37 yards).
In his final year, he led the team with 43 catches for 801 yards (18.4-yard average) and three touchdowns.
He finished his college career with 110 receptions, 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns. Against Delaware State University, he set a school record with 10 receptions for 239 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown. In 2011, he was named to the Jackson State University All-Century team.
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.
For more information, visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.
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