NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University Athletics has announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class, honoring 25 former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors whose accomplishments helped shape the proud tradition of Tiger athletics.
The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Nissan Stadium. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m.
The 2026 class represents excellence across multiple generations and sports, recognizing individuals whose achievements left a lasting impact on Tennessee State University and beyond. The group includes All-Americans, conference champions, professional athletes, championship coaches, administrators and longtime contributors to TSU Athletics.
"This Hall of Fame class embodies the true spirit of TSU," said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. "They didn't just set records; they laid the very foundation of our winning tradition. We are proud to honor this legacy and pay tribute to the program's greats who paved the way."
The 2026 Tennessee State Athletics Hall of Fame Class includes:
- Brent Alexander — Football
- Franklin "Frankie" Allen — Men's Basketball Coach
- Catherine Armwood — Volleyball
- Terry Blocker — Baseball
- Curtis Burke — Baseball
- Clairwin Dameus — Women's Track and Field
- Oliver Davis — Football
- Larry Dorsey — Football
- Johnny "Ballpark" Franks — Sports Information
- Gregory Goodwin — Men's Basketball
- Kimberly Graves — Women's Basketball
- Sylvester Hicks — Football
- Tim Horton — Men's Basketball
- Eric Lindsey — Men's Track and Field
- Granville "Sonny" Lyons — Football
- Jeffery McMillan — Swimming
- Teresa Phillips — Women's Basketball Coach/Administrator
- Samuel Puryear Jr. — Men's Golf
- Gregory "Greg" Robinson — Baseball
- Candance Saleaumua — Volleyball
- Catana Starks — Men's Golf (Posthumous)
- William "Bill" Thomas — Athletics Director (Posthumous)
- Dominique Ward-Johnson — Women's Track and Field
- Lawrence Washington — Men's Tennis
- Robert Woods — Football
The Hall of Fame induction serves as a celebration of achievement and excellence, honoring some of Tennessee State's most treasured former athletes, coaches, and administrators for their contributions both on and off the competition surfaces. The event also serves as a fundraiser supporting the continued growth and success of TSU Athletics. Individual tickets are available for $150, while tables of 10 can be purchased for $1,500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and supporters wishing to celebrate the university's rich athletic heritage.
Beginning in June and continuing through July and August, Tennessee State Athletics will spotlight members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 through a series of honoree profiles on TSUTigers.com and the official TSU Tigers Instagram account. The features will highlight the accomplishments and lasting impact of each inductee leading up to the Aug. 27 ceremony.
For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Julius McNair, Assistant Athletic Director for Championship Resources and Strategic Initiatives, at JMcNair6@tnstate.edu or 615-963-1545.
Additional event details will be announced at a later date.
