For Immediate Media Release
Greenville, SC, March 12, 2026 — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF)
proudly announces its Class of 2025, an extraordinary group of football leaders whose
achievements on the field and impact beyond the game have left an enduring legacy in South
Carolina and across the nation.
These five remarkable individuals will be formally inducted during the 13th Annual Enshrinement
Ceremony, taking place April 16, 2026, at the elegant Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South
Carolina. The evening will celebrate not only athletic excellence, but also leadership,
perseverance, and the powerful influence of football in shaping communities and lives.
Joining this year’s inductees will be several distinguished honorees, including 2025
Humanitarian of the Year Emily Beamer, 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy recipient Sammy
Brown, presented by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch, and the 2026 Bridge Builder Excellence Award
Finalists (to be announced). Together, these honorees represent the very best of South Carolina
football’s tradition of excellence and service.
Meet the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Jerry Butler (Ware Shoals | Clemson University | Buffalo Bills)
Jerry Butler is from Ware Shoals, South Carolina. He emerged as one of the most electrifying
wide receivers in Clemson history from 1975 to 1978. A two-time First Team All-ACC selection,
Butler recorded 131 receptions for 2,215 yards and 11 touchdowns during his collegiate career.
As a senior, he earned consensus All-American honors while helping lead Clemson to an
impressive 11-1 record and a victory in the 1978 Gator Bowl. Selected in the first round of the
1979 NFL Draft, Butler made an immediate impact with the Buffalo Bills, earning NFL Offensive
Rookie of the Year honors and later a Pro Bowl selection. After his playing career, Butler
continued to serve the game through coaching and leadership roles in professional football
organizations.
Dexter Coakley (Mt. Pleasant | Appalachian State University | Dallas Cowboys)
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Dexter Coakley built one of the most decorated
defensive careers in Appalachian State history from 1993 to 1996. He earned three consecutive
Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year awards, was a three-time First Team All
American, and captured the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award twice, recognizing him as the
nation’s top defensive player in the FCS. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the
1997 NFL Draft, Coakley enjoyed a stellar nine-year NFL career, earning three Pro Bowl
selections and All-Rookie honors. Dexter was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in
2011, the first player to do so for Appalachian State. Today, he continues to give back to the
game throughcoaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Todd Ellis (Greensboro, NC | University of South Carolina Quarterback and Broadcaster)
Todd Ellis has long been one of the most recognizable voices in South Carolina football. As a
quarterback at the University of South Carolina, Ellis rewrote the Gamecocks’ record book,
throwing for 9,519 yards and setting more than 20 program passing records. His contributions
earned him induction into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. Following his
playing career, Ellis transitioned into broadcasting and became known as the “Voice of the
Gamecocks,” serving as the radio play-by-play announcer since 2003. His passionate calls
have narrated many of the program’s most memorable moments, while his work in sports media
has strengthened the connection between the Gamecock community and generations of fans.
A.J. Green (Summerville | University of Georgia | Cincinnati Bengals | Arizona Cardinals)
Born in Summerville, South Carolina, A.J. Green quickly emerged as one of college football’s
most dominant wide receivers during his career at the University of Georgia from 2008 to 2010.
A unanimous All-American and SEC Freshman of the Year, Green finished his collegiate career
with 2,619 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. Selected fourth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by
the Cincinnati Bengals, Green became one of the league’s premier receivers, earning seven Pro
Bowl selections and surpassing 10,000 career receiving yards. Off the field, Green has
remained deeply committed to giving back, supporting educational initiatives and providing
scholarships for teachers and students in his hometown community.
Bob Jeter (Legacy Inductee | Union | University of Iowa | Green Bay Packers)
Bob Jeter’s football journey stands as a testament to versatility, excellence, and championship
leadership. A standout halfback at the University of Iowa, Jeter earned All-Big Ten and
All-American honors, helped lead the Hawkeyes to a national championship, and was named
Most Valuable Player of the 1959 Rose Bowl. Transitioning to cornerback in the NFL, Jeter
enjoyed a 12-year professional career, primarily with the Green Bay Packers, where he played a
key role in three NFL Championship teams, including victories in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl
II under legendary coach Vince Lombardi. His remarkable legacy is recognized through
induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame, and
the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
Celebrating Excellence Beyond the Field
In addition to honoring the Class of 2025, the SCFHOF will proudly recognize several
individuals and student-athletes whose leadership and character reflect the highest ideals of the
game.
Emily Beamer — 2025 Humanitarian of the Year
Emily Beamer is recognized for her compassionate leadership through The Beamer Family
Foundation, which supports children in Richland County by addressing educational and medical
needs, helping young people overcome challenges and pursue brighter futures. –
More
Sammy Brown — 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy Winner
Presented by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch, the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy honors the most
outstanding collegiate football player with strong ties to South Carolina. Sammy Brown’s
exceptional performance, leadership, and dedication to the sport exemplify the values
celebrated by this prestigious award.
The 13th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony promises to be a memorable evening honoring the
achievements, character, and lasting influence of South Carolina football’s finest leaders.
The event supports the SCFHOF’s mission to elevate South Carolina students into the nation’s
Top 10 for college and career readiness by 2030.