The Georgia Southern Department of Athletics announced Friday its Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a group of eight that left a lasting mark on Eagle Athletics and will be bestowed the highest honor later this fall.
The 2026 class of inductees includes:
- Matt Breida, a record-setting football player who went on to success in the NFL; and
The Dirty Dozen, a group of 15 instrumental in bringing football back to Georgia Southern; and - Scott Henley, an All-American who still stands as one of the best-hitting baseball players in program history; and
- Frank Hook, a valuable member of the athletic department who has served Georgia Southern for over 40 years; and
- Roger Inman, a do-it-all who has been one of the most visible and indispensable members of the Georgia Southern athletics staff for nearly 50 years; and
- Marlo Mincey-Vinson, a speedster on the track who won six SoCon titles; and
- Sarah Purvis Bryant, the most decorated pitcher in Eagle softball history; and
- Brent Russell, a terror on the defensive line who was named to 14 different All-America teams.
“We are proud to celebrate and honor our Georgia Southern Athletics 2026 Hall of Fame class, a group that represents the very best of Eagle Nation,” said Director of Athletics Chris Davis. “This class includes record-setting student-athletes, champions, trailblazers and individuals whose impact helped shape the history, tradition and future of Georgia Southern Athletics. From excellence as student-athletes to the lasting contributions made behind the scenes and throughout our community, each member of this class has left an enduring legacy. We are excited to welcome them into the Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame and celebrate the incredible mark they have made on our university.”
The 2026 class will be inducted at a Hall of Fame banquet during the Houston football weekend, Sept. 25 and 26. The eight additions bring the total number of former coaches, student-athletes, supporters and administrators in the Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame to 184.
