A look at 2026 BCF HOFamer Tyrone Poole — Fort Valley State

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  • A look at 2026 BCF HOFamer Tyrone Poole — Fort Valley State

ATLANTA — The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) will enshrine its six-member class at the 17th annual ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday at the College Football Hall of Fame presented by the Atlanta Falcons.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes:

  • Jimmy Smith (Jackson State)

  • Eddie Robinson, Jr. (Alabama State)

  • Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman)

  • Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State)

  • Coach Rudy Hubbard (Florida A&M)

  • Steve Wyche (Howard)

“What we have with the Class of 2026 is an incredible showcase of excellence, leadership, and impact that continues to come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. “When the Black College Hall of Fame was established, its purpose was to elevate and recognize the past, present, and future of Black College Football. This class exemplifies that mission.”

 

Today we take a look at Tyrone Poole — Fort Valley State

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.

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