Mississippi State’s Darius Slay and Ole Miss’ Tony Bennett are representing their respective schools in this year’s SEC Football Legends class.
The conference announced the class on Thursday. The 2026 group features Heisman Trophy winners, national champions, All-Americans, All-SEC selections, and NFL standouts. Notable names include legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, former Georgia frontman Mark Richt, and Heisman-winning former Texas running back Ricky Williams, among others.
Mississippi State nominated Slay to represent the maroon and white this year. Slay, a Georgia native, suited up for the Bulldogs from 2011-12 after spending his first two years of eligibility at Itawamba Community College. During his two seasons at Mississippi State, Slay amassed 37 total tackles and 6 interceptions, earning All-SEC honors his senior year.
Slay was drafted by the Detroit Lions early in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent 13 seasons in the professional ranks and announced his retirement in March. Slay suited up for the Lions, Eagles, and Steelers before hanging up the cleats. He was notably a part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX run and a six-time Pro Bowler.
As for Ole Miss, Bennett was nominated to represent his alma mater. Bennett, a Mississippi native, was one of the program’s most decorated defenders in the 1980s. He finished his career with the Rebels with 207 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. Known by the nickname “Gator” after his hometown of Alligator, Bennett played three positions in college— defensive end, nose guard, and linebacker.
In 1990, Bennett became the 10th player in Ole Miss history to be an NFL first-round draft pick, selected 18th overall by the Green Bay Packers. He played with the Packers from 1990-93 and the Indianapolis Colts from 1994-97. In 1993, Bennett was honored by being selected as a linebacker on the Ole Miss Team of the Century.
The 2026 SEC Football Legends class will be honored during the conference’s “Weekend of Champions” in Atlanta. Each nominee will be formally recognized during the SEC Legends Celebration on Dec. 4 at the College Football Hall of Fame. The group will also be recognized before the SEC Football Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 5.
