With the 2026 ballot being released, a notable name for Bears fans is that of the legendary figure Edward P. Hurt, who served as the head coach of Morgan State from 1930 to 1959. Hurt’s contributions to the sport, particularly within the context of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are monumental.
During his storied career, he transformed Morgan State into a gridiron powerhouse, a feat cemented by his leadership in securing six Black College National Championships and a staggering 14 Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) titles. His coaching prowess is further underscored by the 11 undefeated seasons he orchestrated, including the unparalleled 1943 team that achieved the extraordinary feat of not allowing a single point from any opponent throughout the entire season.
Perhaps most remarkable was the dominant stretch from 1932 to 1939, when Hurt led the Bears on an astounding 54-game unbeaten streak. Throughout his tenure, Morgan’s composite football record was an astonishing 173 wins, 47 losses, and 17 ties. Under his guidance, the teams he coached consistently dominated their opponents, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.
Hurt also coached Morgan State basketball from 1929 to 1947. His Cagers consistently placed among the top basketball teams in the CIAA. During his tenure, the Cagers won four CIAA titles, including top honors in three successive years: 1931, 1932, and 1933.
In track and field, his teams produced eight individual NCAA championships, 12 National AAU champions in individual events, six national AAU relay champions, and one Olympic champion – George Rhoden, who was a record-holder in the 400-meter hurdles. In the CIAA, Morgan won 18 track and field championships since entering the conference in 1930.
During his tenure at Morgan, Hurt held numerous positions of responsibility. He served as an instructor in mathematics, acting head of the Physical Education Department, professor of Physical Education, and Athletic Director until his retirement.
Hurt began his coaching career at Virginia Theological Seminary and College. He was named assistant coach in 1921, then became head coach in 1925. Hurt earned a 15-11-4 record as head football coach and led the basketball teams to two CIAA championships.
As a football star for Howard University, Hurt graduated in 1929 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He also earned a master’s degree in physical education from Columbia University.
Hurt was once asked about his successful coaching history. He responded, “If I’ve done anything at all, it’s been because of other coaches, the men, the colleges, the administration, the alumni, friends, just everybody. I’ve only had one formula, and that’s hard work.”
Hurt died on March 24, 1989, at his home in Baltimore at the age of 89.
The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future.
The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. They will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2026 season.
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 126 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
