Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026

The seven-member Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame class of 2026 was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Photo from the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame)

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame proudly announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026 today at a press conference held at the Museum. This distinguished seven-member class spans decades of excellence, from gridiron legends and championship coaches to an Olympic gold medalist.

“Each of these honorees has elevated Mississippi athletics on a national and even international stage,” said Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Andrea Patterson. “Their impact extends beyond their wins and records. They represent the perseverance, leadership, and integrity that define Mississippi sports.”

Class of 2026 Inductees

• Glen Collins – A first-team All-American defensive lineman at Mississippi State and a first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1982, Collins enjoyed a five-year NFL career that included time with the San Francisco 49ers. The Jackson native was named an SEC Football Legend in 2013 and selected to Mississippi State’s All-Century Team in 2014. 

• Louis Guy – An All-SEC performer at Ole Miss, Guy helped lead the Rebels to national and SEC championships in the early 1960s and went on to play professionally with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. Following his playing days, he built a successful career as a Jackson-area orthodontist and community leader.

• Michael Haddix – A two-time All-SEC running back at Mississippi State and the 8^th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, Haddix played eight seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. His career average of 6.0 yards per carry remains a Mississippi State record.

• Bobby Halford – The longtime William Carey University baseball coach has amassed more than 1,300 career wins, seventh-most in NAIA history, and guided his Crusaders to 19 conference titles, 26 national tournament appearances, and two NAIA World Series semifinal runs. He was named NAIA Coach of the Year in 2017.

• Ronnie Mayers – A legendary swimming and diving coach and later athletic director at Delta State University, Mayers led his teams to 11 conference titles, 15 NCAA championship appearances, and produced 56 All-Americans. The Delta State aquatics facility proudly bears his name.

• Johnny Parker – A pioneer in strength and conditioning, Parker coached for 35 years at the college and professional levels, winning three Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His innovative training methods influenced generations of coaches and athletes nationwide.

• Brittney Reese – One of the most decorated athletes in Mississippi history, Reese is a four-time Olympian and seven-time world champion in the long jump. The Gulfport native won Olympic gold in 2012 and silver medals in 2016 and 2021. A two-time NCAA champion at Ole Miss, she remains among the greatest long jumpers in world history.

These exceptional inductees will be formally enshrined during the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, scheduled for July 31– August 1, 2026. The annual event supports the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and celebrates those who have brought fame and honor to the state of Mississippi. Tickets will go on sale in January 2026.