Ferris State's Tony Annese Named To 2026 Ballot For Michigan Sports Hall Of Fame

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University football head coach and four-time national champion Tony Annese has been named to the 2026 ballot for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

The ballot is currently open for a public vote and fans can visit MSHOF.org/vote/ to cast their vote for Coach Annese now thru June 12.

The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit committed to preserving the State of Michigan's sports history and celebrating the State's legendary athletes, coaches and contributors.

The Hall of Fame was organized in 1954 by Lt. Governor Philip A. Hart, Michigan State University Athletic Director Biggie Munn, Donald Weeks, President of the Greater Michigan Foundation, W. Nicholas Kerbawy, General Manager of the Detroit Lions and George Alderton of the Lansing State Journal who conceived of the project. It is believed to be the oldest State Sports Hall of Fame in the United States, having elected its inaugural Class in 1955.

The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is committed to impacting our communities and inspiring people by celebrating & honoring the traditions, legacies and history of sports throughout the state of Michigan.

The Hall of Fame's annual Election Ballot is comprised of candidates nominated by the public and separated into five (5) categories: Amateur, Professional, Coach, Media, Contributor.

Annese is one of only five coaches listed on this year's ballot and among only a total of 35 individuals selected for the ballot overall in the class of 2026.

Born in Corunna, Annese played college football at Alma College before beginning his coaching career. After several assistant and head coaching roles, he eventually took over at Muskegon High School, where he captured three Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 2 state championships.

Hired as the head coach of Ferris State University prior to the 2012 season, Annese has led the Bulldogs to seven conference championships, 11 playoff appearances and four NCAA Division II National Championships (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) while compiling a record of 153-21 at FSU. In 2024, he was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Walter Camp Division II Coach of the Year by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

Wisit MSHOF.org/vote/ to cast a vote for Coach Annese now thru June 12