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.
Granville "Sonny" Lyons | Football | 1970-74
Granville "Sonny" Lyons was a four-year starter at free safety for Tennessee State and remains one of the most accomplished defensive backs in program history. A defensive captain and signal caller during his senior season, Lyons recorded 19 career interceptions, a school record that has stood since 1974. His first career interception came against Grambling State in just his third game as a starter. In 1974, he earned Associated Press All-America honors after anchoring one of the nation's premier defenses. During Lyons' career, Tennessee State lost only four games while capturing two national championships, two undefeated seasons, and victories in the 1971 Grantland Rice Bowl and 1973 Pioneer Bowl. Following graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications and Theater, he signed free-agent contracts with the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings before returning to Tennessee State as a graduate assistant coach from 1975-76.
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
Sylvester Hicks
Tim Horton
Eric Lindsey
