Former Auburn Tigers head coach, current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, and frontrunner to become Governor of Alabama in 2026 is being inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, announced on Monday.
Tuberville was named alongside fellow 2026 inductees:
-
Former Major League Baseball star pitcher Jeff Brantley
-
His former Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell
-
Former Alabama Crimson Tide and Cincinnati Bengals standout defensive lineman John Copeland
-
Legendary Auburn head women’s golf coach Kim Evans
-
Former Alabama and Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Evan Mathis
-
Former Alabama and Canadian Football League standout Ray Odums
-
Recently retired three-decade UAH head softball coach Les Stuedeman
Campbell would go on to play nine seasons in the NFL with five different teams after being selected in the first round of the draft.
During his time at Auburn, Tuberville led the Tigers to a record of 85–40 with a 50-30 record in SEC play including five bowl wins and six straight victories in the Iron Bowl over Alabama.
His 13-0 2004 team — which was quarterbacked by Campbell — being left out of the national title game despite not losing during the year is considered one of the greatest injustices in the history of the sport.
Auburn made headlines in the offseason when they claimed a national title for the season and Tuberville was among the first to congratulate his players for the honor.
Tuberville also spent time as the head coach of Ole Miss, Texas Tech and Cincinnati and compiled an overall head coaching record of 159-99.
On Monday, Tuberville thanked the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
“It was an honor to educate, mentor, and teach my players the importance of grit, perseverance, and hard work,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) wrote. “War Eagle.”
The ceremony will be held in Birmingham at the Hall of Fame on May 9, 2026.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
