ATLANTA, Ga. | The Black College Football Hall of Fame inducted the 17th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Alabama State head football coach Eddie Robinson Jr. and women's flag football coach Tyrone Poole (Ft. Valley State) were inducted alongside. Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman), Jimmy Smith (Jackson State), Steve Wyche (Contributor—Howard), and Coach Rudy Hubbard (Florida A&M).

Induction weekend has continued to serve as the marquee event for the Hall of Fame. It is a celebration of HBCU greatness and history, as well as a gathering to honor those who have given their all to the game as either a player, coach, or contributor.

The Class of 2026 will be honored during the 17th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, on Friday, June 6th. The Induction Ceremony will take place at 7:30 PM at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Induction Ceremony is once again Charles Davis (NFL on CBS). Others to be honored during the evening are Curtis Allen (Virginia Union University) as the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year, who will receive the Deacon Jones Trophy, and James Houston (Dallas Cowboys) as the 2025 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year, presented by the NFLPA.

Along with this year's class, over 30 previous inductees of the BCFHOF will be in attendance, as well as other VIPs from around the country!

For more information visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.

Eddie Robinson Jr. 

• Head Football Coach at Alabama State University—Named the 30th head coach on November 26, 2021, entering his fourth season leading the Hornets while helping restore winning culture and strong fan engagement.
• Alabama State Alumnus and Standout Linebacker—A New Orleans native, he walked on at ASU, earned a chemistry degree in 1994, lettered all four seasons, and was a two-time All-SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sheridan All-American.
• SWAC Hall of Fame Inductee — Became the youngest inductee in Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame history at age 28 and was later recognized as a MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legend.
• 11-Year NFL Veteran — Selected 50th overall in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, he played for Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Buffalo, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Titans. College Football.
• Analyst and Broadcaster—Spent nearly a decade as a college football analyst for Fox Sports South, ESPNU, and ESPN3 and co-hosted the weekly television show INSIDE SWAC.
• Leader, Mentor, and Community Advocate—Actively supports youth development and HBCU athletics through football camps, community outreach, and service as an NFL Ambassador for USA Football.

Tyrone Poole

• 13-Year NFL Veteran Cornerback—Drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft, Poole enjoyed a long professional career with the Panthers, Colts, Broncos, Patriots, Raiders, and Titans, totaling 486 tackles and 18 interceptions.
• Two-Time Super Bowl Champion—A key contributor in New England, Poole earned back-to-back Super Bowl rings with the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX.
• Fort Valley State All-American and Trailblazer—At Fort Valley State University, he was a four-year starter and became the first player in school history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, also starring in track and field.
• Hall of Fame & Honors—Poole's Legacy includes inductions into the Division II Football Hall of Fame and SIAC Hall of Fame and recognition in the Fort Valley State Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for his excellence on and off the field.
• Head Coach, Alabama State Women's Flag Football—Hired to lead Alabama State University's women's flag football program, Poole brings championship pedigree, leadership, and a passion for mentorship to growing the sport at the collegiate level.
• Author, Entrepreneur, and Community Advocate—Beyond football, he's a published author, inventor, and founder of the Tyrone Poole 38 Foundation, focusing on fitness, education, and humanitarian outreach.