NASHVILLE, TN – February 21, 2026 – Championship coach Kermit Davis, the winningest men’s basketball coach in the history of Middle Tennessee State University, has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the history of sports in the state of Tennessee.
“Kermit Davis built a program that earned national respect and brought unforgettable moments to fans across Tennessee,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “His teams competed with toughness, discipline, and pride, and his leadership elevated Middle Tennessee basketball to historic heights. We are proud to welcome him into the Class of 2026.”
Davis led the Blue Raiders for 16 seasons (2002–2018), transforming the program into one of the premier mid-major powers in college basketball. He became the program’s all-time wins leader, finishing with more than 300 victories at Middle Tennessee while producing a string of 20-plus-win campaigns, conference championships, and postseason appearances.
Under Davis, Middle Tennessee captured league titles in both the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA and advanced to the NCAA Tournament three times. His teams delivered some of the most memorable victories in school history, including the stunning 2016 NCAA Tournament upset of 2nd seeded Michigan State, one of the landmark results of that year’s tournament, and another first-round victory in 2017.
Beyond the wins, Davis’ program became synonymous with player development, academic accountability, and sustained competitiveness. His tenure energized the fan base, elevated the university’s national profile, and set the competitive standard that continues to shape the program.
“Kermit’s impact goes beyond banners and brackets,” Willis added. “He built a culture, mentored young men, and created pride for Blue Raider alumni everywhere. His legacy is permanent in the story of Tennessee basketball.”
Davis joins Monica Abbott, Matt Cain, the late Reggie Cobb, Mike Clary, Antone Davis, Bubba Luckett, CharlesMcRae, and David Price as announced members of the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. The full class will be announced over the coming weeks.
The 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket and event information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and sports administrators who have made a meaningful impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans, and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue generated through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $8.1 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives, and after-school programs. In addition to educational beneficiaries, players have won billions in prizes, and Lottery retailers have earned billions in commissions. For more information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the Tennessee Education Lottery on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
