NFF Release
Irving, TX - Morgan State former head football coach Edward P. Hurt was named to the 2025 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced.
This year's ballot includes 77 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 34 coaches from the divisional ranks.
"It's an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.7 million people have played college football and only 1,093 players have been inducted," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "The Hall's requirement of being a First-Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today's elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class early next year."
The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Court, which will deliberate and select the class.
Hurt, a legend at Morgan State College, was head football coach from 1930 to 1959. In his 29 years as the football helm, he won 14 CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) championships.
"The arrival of the black athlete on the national sports scene in the 1940' and 50's goes directly back to Edward P. Hurt," wrote Herman L. Wade, Hurt's biographer. "There is not a single black sports figure in the world today who is not in some small way in the debt of Coach Hurt. And to the extent that Hurt helped to break down racial barriers, our entire country owes him a huge debt of gratitude. We are a better nation because of him."
From 1932 to 1939, the football teams under Coach Hurt Morgan's leadership embarked on an extraordinary journey, amassing an unparalleled record of 54 consecutive games without defeat. 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 1929-1947. 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 have produced 8 individual NCAA championships, 12 National AAU champions in individual events, 6 national AAU relay champions 1 Olympic champion – George Rhoden, who's the record-holder in the 400 meter hurdles. In the CIAA, Morgan has 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 Hurt died at his home in Baltimore at the age of 89.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta; Future For Football; The William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & Hatchell Cup presented by the Original Bob's Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Bruin Capital, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Hanold Associates Executive Search, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses and Sports Business Journal. Follow the NFF on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.
