Six LSU Greats Elected for Induction into Athletics Hall of Fame

In a momentous celebration of legacy, grit, and excellence, Louisiana State University has announced the election of six remarkable individuals into its Athletics Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor not only serves as a testament to their outstanding contributions on and off the field but also highlights LSU’s unwavering commitment to recognizing those who have elevated the university’s storied athletic tradition. The 2025 induction class spans multiple sports and generations, yet each honoree shares a common thread: their unparalleled impact on LSU Athletics and the indelible marks they’ve left on the hearts of Tiger fans everywhere.

The new inductees include football legends, record-setting track and field stars, and a generational basketball talent whose achievements continue to reverberate throughout their respective sports. Each one represents the apex of athletic performance, academic integrity, and school pride — values that LSU holds dear. As these six greats prepare to take their rightful places among the university’s most cherished icons, their stories illuminate a broader narrative of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness in Baton Rouge.

Among those being honored is a name synonymous with LSU football dominance: Glenn Dorsey. A two-time All-American and the 2007 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Dorsey anchored the Tigers’ defensive line during one of the most successful periods in program history. His performance in the 2007 national championship season remains legendary, as he wreaked havoc on opposing offenses with relentless pressure, raw strength, and unmatched instincts. What separated Dorsey was not only his physical tools but his leadership and discipline. He was the heart of a defense that ranked among the nation’s best, and he set a standard for future LSU defensive linemen. Drafted fifth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Dorsey’s professional career was admirable, but it is his collegiate legacy that continues to inspire LSU fans and players alike. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a crowning achievement for a man who gave everything to the program and helped put LSU football firmly on the national map.

Joining Dorsey is Seimone Augustus, one of the greatest women’s basketball players in collegiate history and arguably the most recognizable name in LSU women’s basketball. A two-time Wooden Award winner and three-time All-American, Augustus led LSU to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 2004 to 2006. Her offensive prowess, court vision, and unshakable confidence made her a force of nature on the hardwood. Augustus finished her college career with over 2,700 points and remains one of the top scorers in program history. Beyond the numbers, she was the face of LSU women’s basketball during its golden era, bringing national attention and elevating the program’s status across the country. After her time at LSU, Augustus enjoyed a decorated WNBA and international career, winning multiple championships and Olympic gold medals. Her journey from Baton Rouge to basketball immortality is a testament to talent nurtured by LSU’s passionate sports culture. Augustus being inducted into the Hall of Fame is both expected and necessary — her legacy is too big, too powerful, and too vital to ever be forgotten.

Also honored is track and field sensation Walter Davis, whose explosive ability in the triple jump and long jump redefined what was possible in collegiate athletics. Davis was a two-time NCAA champion and a dominant force in the SEC, showcasing elite athleticism that made him a fixture on the national and international stage. Representing LSU, he captured numerous conference and national titles while setting school records that stood for years. Davis went on to represent the United States at the Olympics and World Championships, where he earned global recognition. His rise from a young athlete with potential to a world-class competitor began at LSU, and his story serves as a powerful example of how the university develops talent that competes — and wins — on the world stage. His Hall of Fame induction is a nod to one of the most electrifying and successful athletes to ever compete for the Tigers.

The Hall of Fame class also includes Chad Jones, a rare multi-sport athlete who excelled in both football and baseball at LSU. Known for his versatility, athleticism, and championship pedigree, Jones played a pivotal role on the gridiron as a safety on LSU’s 2007 national title-winning football team. His clutch interceptions, bone-rattling tackles, and field awareness made him one of the most feared defenders in the SEC. Not content with football glory alone, Jones also starred on the baseball diamond, helping lead the Tigers to a College World Series championship in 2009. Few athletes have contributed as significantly to two major programs as Jones did, and his legacy is one of rare excellence across multiple sports. His Hall of Fame election highlights LSU’s ability to foster multi-dimensional athletes capable of greatness at the highest levels.

Next on the list is softball star Kristin Schmidt, whose dominant pitching and fierce competitiveness made her one of the most accomplished players in LSU history. During her time with the Tigers, Schmidt set school records in strikeouts, wins, and innings pitched, while guiding LSU to three Women’s College World Series appearances. Her most memorable performance came in the 2004 NCAA Tournament, where she pitched an astonishing 21 innings in a single day to help send LSU to the WCWS. That feat of endurance and willpower became legendary in LSU circles and established her as a foundational figure in the program’s success. Her ability to carry the team in high-stakes moments, her statistical dominance, and her leadership make her a fitting selection for the Hall of Fame. Schmidt’s induction ensures that her contributions will continue to inspire the next generation of LSU softball players.

Rounding out the Hall of Fame class is football standout Michael Clayton, whose blend of athleticism, size, and hands made him a cornerstone of LSU’s early-2000s resurgence. A key contributor to the 2003 BCS National Championship team, Clayton caught 78 passes for 1,079 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final season, establishing himself as quarterback Matt Mauck’s go-to weapon. His knack for making big plays in big games endeared him to fans and coaches alike. Selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Clayton enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though injuries would later limit his professional output. Still, it is his time at LSU that remains most cherished — a player who gave everything to his team and helped deliver a title to Baton Rouge. His Hall of Fame induction is a fitting capstone to a career built on dedication, toughness, and championship spirit.

The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set to be one of the most emotional and celebratory nights in LSU Athletics history. The achievements of these six individuals span decades and disciplines, but together, they represent the spirit of what it means to be a Tiger: fierce, passionate, resilient, and elite. From Glenn Dorsey’s fearsome dominance in the trenches, to Seimone Augustus’s transcendent brilliance on the basketball court, to Walter Davis’s gravity-defying leaps, to Chad Jones’ dual-sport greatness, Kristin Schmidt’s pitching prowess, and Michael Clayton’s championship heroics — each honoree brought something unique, something special, to LSU.

This Hall of Fame class is a reflection not only of their individual accomplishments but of the collective excellence that defines LSU Athletics. Their journeys may have begun in different places and led down different paths, but they all converged at the same hallowed ground — the heart of Baton Rouge, where Saturday nights roar with history and every game is a chance to make memories that last a lifetime. For current and future student-athletes, this class serves as a living blueprint of what’s possible with hard work, talent, and Tiger pride.

As LSU continues to build upon its tradition of excellence, honoring those who paved the way remains essential. The Hall of Fame is more than a collection of names and plaques — it is a living testament to greatness, a place where legends reside, and where the past meets the future. This year’s class brings with it not only the accolades but the stories, the emotions, and the dreams that make LSU Athletics one of the most revered programs in the country.

With each name called and each legacy celebrated, the 2025 LSU Athletics Hall of Fame induction promises to be more than a ceremony. It will be a homecoming, a reminder, and a tribute — to those who wore the purple and gold with pride, and to a university that continues to thrive on the backs of its heroes. The six newest members of the Hall of Fame now join the ranks of immortals, their place forever secure in LSU lore, their stories etched into the soul of a university that cherishes every ounce of greatness they gave.

Leave a Comment