Throughout the summer months leading up to the Tennessee State University Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug. 27, Tennessee State Athletics will highlight the members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This distinguished group of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors helped shape the proud tradition of Tiger athletics through championship performances, individual achievements and lasting contributions to the university. Their stories reflect the excellence, perseverance and impact that have defined Tennessee State Athletics across generations.
Sylvester Hicks | Football | 1973-77
Sylvester Hicks was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in Tennessee State football history, developing into a national standout during his career with the Tigers from 1973-77 under legendary head coach John Merritt. His breakout campaign in 1977 helped lead Tennessee State to an 8-1-1 record and a national ranking among the top defensive teams in the country, as the Tigers finished second nationally in total defense. Hicks recorded 44 tackles and five quarterback sacks while earning widespread All-America recognition from Pro Football Magazine, Pittsburgh Courier, Jet Magazine, Atlanta Daily World and Black Mutual Sports. He was also named Black Mutual Sports Defensive Player of the Year and received Tennessee State's prestigious Henry Arthur Kean Memorial Award as the team's outstanding defensive player. Hicks first earned All-America honors in 1976 from the Pittsburgh Courier, becoming one of the premier defensive players in Black college football. His outstanding collegiate career earned invitations to the Senior Bowl and Blue-Gray Classic, two of the nation's top postseason all-star games. The Kansas City Chiefs selected Hicks in the second round of the 1978 NFL Draft, and he went on to play four seasons in the National Football League.
TSU HOF Class of 2026 Profiles
Brent Alexander
Frankie Allen
Catherine Katrelle Armwood
Terry Blocker
Curtis Burke
Clairwin Dameus
Oliver Davis
Larry Dorsey
Johnny "Ballpark" Franks
Greg Goodwin
Kimberly Graves
