Get ready to celebrate greatness because the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 is here, and it’s packed with legends who’ve left an indelible mark on sports history. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: among the eight inductees are two undefeated Auburn heroes from the iconic 2004 season—Tommy Tuberville and quarterback Jason Campbell. These two, alongside six other remarkable athletes and coaches, will be honored at the 58th annual induction banquet on May 9, 2026, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Let’s dive into what makes this class so extraordinary.
The Lineup of Legends
Jeff Brantley
A pitching powerhouse, Brantley dominated at Mississippi State with an SEC-record 45 wins and an All-American nod in 1985. His 14-year MLB career included 172 saves, highlighted by a league-leading 44 for the Cincinnati Reds in 1996. Fun fact: He represented the San Francisco Giants at the 1990 MLB All-Star Game after posting a stellar 1.56 ERA in 55 relief appearances.
Jason Campbell
Campbell’s Auburn legacy is untouchable. As the quarterback of the undefeated 2004 Tigers, he was named MVP of both the SEC Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl, capping a perfect 13-0 season. His passing efficiency remains the highest in Auburn history, and he went on to play nine NFL seasons after being a first-round draft pick.
John Copeland
From Valley High School to Alabama’s 1992 national championship team, Copeland was a force. The All-American defensive end helped the Crimson Tide go 13-0, including a Sugar Bowl victory over Miami. Drafted fifth overall in 1993, he spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, earning All-Rookie honors.
Kim Evans
Evans transformed Auburn’s women’s golf program during her 21-year tenure, securing eight SEC titles, 20 NCAA Regional appearances, and seven top-10 NCAA finishes. Her impact extends beyond the course—the Women’s Golf Coaches Association honors her legacy annually with the Kim Evans Award, recognizing coaches who embody the spirit of the game.
Evan Mathis
A true athlete, Mathis excelled in football, wrestling, and track at Homewood High School before becoming a four-year starter on Alabama’s offensive line. His NFL journey included a Super Bowl 50 win with the Denver Broncos, and he was a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ray Odums
Odums broke barriers and records at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to the 1973-74 SEC title as part of the first all-Black starting lineup in SEC history. After college, he spent a decade in the Canadian Football League, earning four West All-Star selections and three All-CFL honors.
Les Stuedeman
Stuedeman’s impact on softball is immeasurable. After an All-American career at Huntingdon College, she built the University of Alabama-Huntsville’s softball program from scratch, amassing 1,297 wins, nine conference titles, and 26 NCAA tournament appearances over 30 seasons. Her induction into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014 cemented her legacy.
Tommy Tuberville
Tuberville’s coaching legacy is defined by his 10-year tenure at Auburn, where he led the Tigers to an undefeated 2004 season and an 85-40 overall record. His teams reached the SEC Championship Game twice, played in eight bowls, and went 7-3 in the Iron Bowl. After Auburn, he coached at Texas Tech and Cincinnati, retiring with a 159-99 career record.
And this is the part most people miss: While Tuberville’s coaching achievements are undeniable, his transition to politics as a U.S. senator adds a layer of intrigue to his legacy. Does his success in both fields make him a more impactful figure? Let us know in the comments!
Tickets for the induction banquet are available by contacting the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum at (205) 323-6665. Don’t miss your chance to honor these sports icons!
Controversy Alert: Should college coaches who move into politics be judged differently in sports history? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
