The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame welcomed its 58th class this past weekend, honoring three Birmingham-area athletes among eight total inductees recognized for outstanding careers in sports.
Birmingham Athletes Join Prestigious 2026 Class
The newest ASHOF class adds eight members to the museum’s 417 total inductees since its founding in 1969. Three of this year’s honorees come from the Birmingham metro area: Jeff Brantley of Hoover, Evan Mathis of Homewood, and Ray Odums of Birmingham.
Hall of Fame leadership emphasized that inductees remain the most important part of the organization’s legacy. The museum showcases thousands of artifacts across its 33,000-square-foot facility, highlighting athletes who have made lasting impacts at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
Birmingham Legends Honored for Baseball and Football Careers
Jeff Brantley built a long Major League Baseball career after pitching at Mississippi State, where he helped lead the team to the 1985 College World Series. He later played 14 seasons in the MLB, including time with the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers. He also led the National League in saves in 1996 and later moved into sports broadcasting with the Cincinnati Reds.
Evan Mathis earned recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in college and professional football. After playing at the University of Alabama, he went on to a 12-year NFL career with multiple teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2013 and won a Super Bowl championship with Denver.
Ray Odums stood out as a rare two-sport athlete at the University of Alabama, competing in both basketball and football. He became part of a historic SEC basketball lineup and later played ten seasons in the Canadian Football League. His career included multiple All-Star selections and long-term success in professional football.
Statewide Class Includes Championship Coaches and NFL Standouts
The 2026 class also includes five additional Alabama-connected figures with strong ties to championship programs and professional sports. Jason Campbell led Auburn to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl victory, earning MVP honors before playing in the NFL for multiple teams. John Copeland helped Alabama win a national championship and later became a first-round NFL draft pick.
Kim Evans built a long coaching career at Auburn, guiding the women’s golf program to multiple SEC titles and national recognition. Les Stuedeman led UAH softball for three decades and became one of the winningest coaches in NCAA Division II history. Tommy Tuberville earned national attention for leading Auburn’s undefeated 2004 season and later compiled one of the top coaching records in college football.
Additional honorees included sports broadcaster Rece Davis, along with Mike Turk and Jon Johnson, who received special achievement and media awards.
The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame continues to recognize athletes, coaches, and contributors who have shaped the state’s rich sports history across generations.
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