ATLANTA – Former Bethune-Cookman standout and Green Bay Packers All-Pro safety Nick Collins is set to be elected as part of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, it was announced Thursday, Jan. 15.
"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."
Collins earns the honor following an exceptional collegiate and professional career defined by elite playmaking and leadership in the secondary. He joined Bethune-Cookman football in 2001 and quickly emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the MEAC, anchoring the Wildcats' defense with his range, instincts, and physicality.
A standout safety for the Wildcats, Collins earned multiple All-MEAC honors during his career and helped elevate Bethune-Cookman to national prominence at the FCS level. His performance at B-CU established him as one of the top HBCU prospects entering the NFL Draft.
Collins was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft, becoming one of the highest-drafted players in Bethune-Cookman history. He went on to enjoy a stellar professional career with the Packers from 2005–2011.
In seven NFL seasons, Collins developed into one of the league's premier safeties, earning three Pro Bowl selections (2008-2010) and three Second Team All-Pro Honors. He played a pivotal role in Green Bay's championship run during the 2010 season, helping the Packers capture Super Bowl XLV.
Collins finished his NFL career with 21 interception, several of which came in high-leverage postseason moments, including a memorable interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLV. His career was unfortunately cut short due to a neck injury sustained early in the 2011 season.
Collins returned to Bethune-Cookman in 2023 to serve as the Wildcats' cornerbacks coach, where he remained through 2025. His influence was evident in the secondary, as he coached multiple defensive backs to All-SWAC recognition.
Votes were tallied from the nine-member Selection Committee—comprised of prominent journalists, commentators, historians, and former NFL general managers and executives—as well as members of the BCFHOF to determine the inductees.
Alongside Collins, Jimmy Smith (Jackson State), Eddie Robinson Jr. (Alabama State), Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State), Coach Rudy Hubbard (Florida A&M), and Steve Wyche (Howard) were inducted.
The Class of 2026 will be honored at the 17th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, on June 6, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. The class will also be recognized at halftime of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 21, 2026, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, airing live on NFL Network at 2:00 p.m. EST.
About the Black College Football Hall of Fame
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers and quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve history and honor the greatest football players, coaches, and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been over 100 inductees since its inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell, and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) has a permanent home at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to tell the story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
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