Four outstanding NFL alumni from distinguished schools are included in the 2026 Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) Class that was announced this month.
The new class will be recognized as a group during halftime of the HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans on February 21. The new class also will be honored at the Annual BCFHOF Induction Ceremony on June 6 in Atlanta.
The four NFL alumni in the Class are:
- Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman, 2002-04) played seven seasons at safety for the Packers, including their winning Super Bowl XLV campaign. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame. While at Bethune-Cookman, he led the MEAC in interceptions two consecutive seasons. He was the Packers second round pick in the 2005 Draft.
- Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State, 1992-95) was the first player in school history to be selected in the first round of an NFL Draft when the Panthers selected him in 1995. His 14-year NFL career including time on six different teams. He earned Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX rings with the Patriots.
- Eddie Robinson, Jr (Alabama State, 1989-91) currently is the head coach at his college alma mater where he was the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in both 1990 and 1991. He was the Houston Oilers second round draft pick in 1992 and played linebacker for them in both Houston (1992-95) and later in Tennessee (1998-2001).
- Jimmy Smith (Jackson State, 1987-91) is the Jaguars all-time leading receiver. He played in Jacksonville from 1995-2005 and his 862 receptions for 12,287 yards are both franchise records. He earlier received two Super Bowl rings (XXVII & XXVIII) with the Cowboys who selected him on the second round on the 1992 Draft.
In addition to our four above teammates, the 2026 HBCHOF Class includes legendary Florida A&M Head Coach Rudy Hubbard. Howard University grad Steve Wyche, a veteran NFL Network reporter who is a strong advocate for HBCU players and schools, completes this outstanding group of six individuals.
“What we have with this Class is an incredible showcase of excellence, leadership and impact that continues to come from HBCU schools,” says BCFHOF co-founder and Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams. “When we established the Hall, its purpose was to elevate and recognize the past, present, and future of Black College Football. This class exemplifies that mission.”
We at NFL congratulate this new class and look forward to attending the formal BCFHOF induction ceremony on June 6 in Atlanta.
