The Iowa State Letterwinners Club has announced the 2026 class for the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame, featuring six former athletes. The induction ceremony is scheduled for September 25 at the Sukup End Zone Club in Ames. This addition brings the total number of honored Cyclone legends to 222 since the hall's establishment in 1997.
The Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame, founded in 1997, recognizes outstanding contributors to the university's sports programs. Eligibility requires athletes or coaches to be at least 10 years past their final season of competition at Iowa State. The selection is made by a committee of administrators and athletic alumni.
The class of 2026 includes Chris Baker, a men's golfer from 2005 to 2008, who became the first Cyclone All-American and earned Iowa State Male Athlete of the Year honors in 2008. He later secured a PGA Tour card and achieved a tied-for-26th finish at the 2021 U.S. Open.
Christina Hillman, a women's track and field athlete from 2012 to 2016, won two NCAA shot put championships in 2014 and holds school records in both indoor and outdoor events. She was named Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year in 2014 and reached the finals at the 2014 USA Outdoor Championships.
Lawrence "Big Daddy" Hunt, a football player from 1971 to 1973, recorded 334 career tackles, ranking eighth in school history despite playing only three seasons. A three-time All-Big Eight selection, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974.
Edward Kemboi, who competed in men's track and field and cross country from 2011 to 2015, claimed two NCAA 800-meter titles in 2015 and set the school indoor record at 1:45.98. He earned Iowa State Male Co-Athlete of the Year in 2015.
Georges Niang, a men's basketball standout from 2013 to 2016, is the only two-time All-American in program history. He led Iowa State to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet Sixteens, and was selected 50th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, where he has since made 883 three-pointers over a 10-year career.
Jay Schindler, a men's swimmer and diver from 1995 to 1998, secured five All-American honors and six conference titles. He set school records in the 100 breaststroke and 200 medley relay, contributing to an undefeated 10-0 dual season in 1998.
Registration for the September 25 ceremony will open at a later date.
