Tennessee State University Athletics has officially announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class, adding another distinguished group of Tigers and Tigerbelles to one of the most prestigious honors in the university’s athletic history.
The Tennessee State Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors whose accomplishments have helped build TSU’s reputation as one of the premier athletic programs in HBCU sports. From national champions and Olympians to professional standouts and program builders, Hall of Fame inductees represent the very best of Tennessee State’s proud tradition.
The 2026 class continues that legacy, celebrating individuals whose achievements extended far beyond the playing field while leaving a lasting impact on Big Blue athletics.
The 2026 honorees will be formally inducted at a ceremony that will take place Thursday, Aug. 27, at Nissan Stadium The event will begin with a reception at 6PM followed by the induction at 7 PM.
This year’s illustrious 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
Starting in June and continuing into August members of this year’s Hall of Fame class will be highlighted on TSUtigers.com as well as the TSU Athletics Instagram page.
Preserving a Legacy of Excellence
For decades, Tennessee State has produced elite athletes who have excelled at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. The university’s athletic history includes legendary football players, championship teams, Olympic medalists, and the world-renowned Tigerbelles track program.
Each Hall of Fame class serves as a bridge between generations, honoring the pioneers who helped establish TSU’s tradition while inspiring current and future student-athletes to carry that legacy forward.
The induction ceremony will bring together former teammates, coaches, family members, and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of the newest Hall of Fame members and their contributions to Tennessee State Athletics.
Why It Matters
Tennessee State’s athletic influence extends far beyond Nashville. The university has produced Hall of Famers, professional champions, and trailblazers who have helped shape the landscape of college and professional sports.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class is another reminder of the excellence that has defined TSU Athletics for generations and the impact that Tigers and Tigerbelles continue to have across the sports world.
As Tennessee State continues its rise across multiple sports, the Hall of Fame remains a testament to the foundation built by those who came before.
