The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2025 and several major award winners to be honored at the 13th annual enshrinement ceremony.
The event will take place April 16, 2026, at the Hotel Hartness in Greenville. The induction class features five individuals with deep ties to the state’s football history, ranging from legendary wide receivers to the “Voice of the Gamecocks.”
The Class of 2025
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Jerry Butler: A Ware Shoals native and Clemson University standout, Butler was a consensus All-American in 1978. He played nine seasons for the Buffalo Bills, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
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Dexter Coakley: Born in Charleston, Coakley was a three-time All-American at Appalachian State and a two-time Buck Buchanan Award winner. He enjoyed a 10-year NFL career, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, earning three Pro Bowl nods.
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Todd Ellis: The former University of South Carolina quarterback set more than 20 school records, passing for 9,519 yards. Since 2003, he has served as the play-by-play radio announcer for the Gamecocks.
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A.J. Green: A Summerville native, Green was a star at the University of Georgia before becoming a seven-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. He recorded more than 10,000 career receiving yards during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals.
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Bob Jeter (Legacy Inductee): A Union native and Rose Bowl MVP at the University of Iowa, Jeter won three NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls as a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi.
Additional Honorees
The ceremony will also recognize individuals for their contributions off the field. Emily Beamer has been named the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year for her work with The Beamer Family Foundation, which assists children in Richland County.
Sammy Brown will receive the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, presented by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch, which is awarded to the most outstanding collegiate player with South Carolina ties. Finalists for the 2026 Bridge Builder Excellence Award, honoring high school student-athletes, will be announced at a later date.
Proceeds from the event support the hall of fame’s mission to improve college and career readiness for South Carolina students.
