National Collegiate Hall of Fame announces 2026 Class

Inducted Legends Include Legendary Players

Danny Ainge, Glen Rice and the late Walt Hazzard will be enshrined alongside coaches in the 2026 class. Ainge and Rice are celebrated for their elite scoring and playmaking during college careers. Hazzard’s impact, though posthumous, reflects a career defined by leadership on the court.

Coaching Icons Honored

Orlando “Tubby” Smith, Jay Wright and Ted Owens cap a class of six Hall of Famers. Smith’s 31‑year tenure produced a 642‑370 win‑loss record and nearly 650 victories overall. He guided seven Division I programs – Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Memphis and High Point – earning national and conference honors.

Smith’s most memorable season came at Kentucky, where he captured the 1998 national championship in his first campaign. As head coach at Georgia, the Bulldogs rose to No. 14 after a 10‑1 start, losing only to North Carolina. Georgia earned the No. 8 seed in the 1996 West Regional, defeating Clemson 81‑74 and upsetting top‑seed Purdue 76‑69 before a narrow overtime loss to eventual champion Syracuse.

Smith is also recognized as one of just four coaches to lead five different teams to the NCAA Tournament, a testament to his recruitment and game‑planning acumen. This distinction places him among the elite coaches in collegiate history. His ability to turn struggling programs into tournament contenders underscores his lasting influence.

Ceremony Details

The formal induction will take place on Oct. 22 at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Missouri. The event caps a year that highlights the highest levels of collegiate achievement. Attendees will celebrate the legacies of these athletes and mentors, whose contributions have shaped the sport.