Regular visitors of notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the top 50 of every major team in the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB. Once that is done, we will examine how each team honors its past players, coaches, and executives. Eventually, we will do the same with major college programs.  As such, it is important to us that the University of Utah has announced the four players, one coach, and one team that will be inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The event will take place on September 18, with the inductees being honored the following day during the football game against Utah State.

The Class of 2026 members are:

Zan Beadles, Football, 2006-09.  In Beadles’ 2009 season, he was a First Team All-Mountain West Selection, playing Left Tackle on the squad that won the Sugar Bowl and finished the season ranked #2.  He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons and boasts a Super Bowl Ring with the Broncos (2015).

Daria Bijak, Women’s Gymnastics, 2007-10.  An eight-time All-American, Bijak won the 2008 Dahl Award, which is awarded to the Red Rocks’ top scholar-athlete.  She competed for Germany in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Jerry Pimm, Men’s Basketball Head Coach, 1974-83.  Pimm was an Assistant Coach for 13 years before he took over the reins in 1974, and as a Head Coach, he had a record of 173-86.  He led the Utes to five NCAA Tournaments, four Sweet Sixteens and three WAC Championships.

Katrin Smigun, Women’s Skiing, 2003.  A two-time Winter Olympian (1998 & 2002) while representing Estonia, Smigun competed only one season for Utah but went undefeated in 12 straight races and was a dual winner at the 2003 NCAA Championships. 

Delon Wright, Men’s Basketball, 2013-15.  A two-time First Team All-Pac-12 Selection and two-time Pac-12 Defensive Team Selection, Wright led the Utes to the 2015 Sweet Sixteen.  He had 1,022 Points over his NCAA career and went on to play 10 seasons in the NBA for the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks.

The 1991 Women’s Softball Team.  The team won the Regular Season and Tournament WAC Championships, and qualified for the College World Series. 

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the impending members of the Michigan State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Steve Smith is considered one of the most talented offensive players in the history of the Carolina Panthers. In seven seasons as a Panther, he managed to achieve over 1,000 yards in Receiving Yards. Smith's best season was in 2005, when he won the Wide Receiver's "Triple Crown" by leading the NFL in Receptions, Receiving Yards, and Receiving Touchdowns.

Smith was a dynamic receiver with a fearless approach to route-running. He was not afraid to take on anyone, using his lightning speed to beat defenders and gain serious yards after a catch on underneath routes.

After finishing his pro career with three seasons as a Baltimore Raven, Smith accrued another 1,000-yard season. Statistically, he should get serious consideration, having finished his career 7th in All-Purpose Yards and Receiving Yards. Additionally, his five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pro Selections are impressive accolades.