CHARLOTTE — Tyrone Poole was part of the original Panthers team, and he continues to make history.

Poole was named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026.

Poole starred at Fort Valley State before the Panthers made him the second of their three first-round picks in the 1995 draft (sandwiched between quarterback Kerry Collins and left tackle Blake Brockermeyer).

He joins Panthers legends Richard Huntley (Winston-Salem State), Nate Newton (Florida A&M), and Greg Lloyd (Fort Valley State) in the Hall.

He started 44 games in the first three seasons before he was traded to the Colts. He went on to play 12 years in the NFL, winning a pair of Super Bowl rings with the Patriots (including Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Panthers).

He also played for the Broncos, Raiders, and Titans, and had 18 career interceptions.

Poole was part of a six-man class that included Jimmy Smith (Jackson State), Eddie Robinson Jr. (Alabama State), Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman), coach Rudy Hubbard (Florida A&M), and broadcaster Steve Wyche (Howard).

"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."

The Class of 2026 will be honored officially at the 17th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 6, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga.

Inductees will also be recognized during halftime of the Fifth Annual Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on Feb. 21, 2026, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, La., airing live on NFL Network at 3 PM CT.