May 19, 2026
Ferris State football head coach Tony Annese on the 2026 ballot for Michigan Sports Hall of Fame
Ferris State University football head coach Tony Annese has been named to the 2026 ballot for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Annese, a four-time national champion, is one of only five coaches listed on this year's ballot and among only a total of 35 individuals selected for the ballot in the class of 2026.
The annual election ballot is comprised of candidates nominated by the public and separated into five categories: amateur, professional, coach, media, contributor.
The 2026 ballot is now open to public voting through June 12, as votes can be submitted at mshof.org.
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit committed to preserving Michigan's sports history and celebrating the state's legendary athletes, coaches and contributors. It is believed to be the oldest state sports hall of fame in the United States, having been first organized in 1954 and electing its inaugural class in 1955.
Born in Corunna, Annese played college football at Alma College before beginning his coaching career. After several assistant and head coaching roles, he took over at Muskegon High School, where he captured three Michigan High School Athletic Association Division II state championships. He was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011.
Annese was head coach at Grand Rapids Community College in 2009 and instantly turned the Raiders into a national junior college power. GRCC claimed the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championship under his guidance in both 2009 and 2011.
He was hired as the head coach for the Bulldogs before the 2012 season and has led the program to seven conference championships, 11 playoff appearances and four NCAA Division II National Championships while compiling a record of 153-21 at Ferris State.
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.
Annese now has an opportunity to be introduced into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, which is committed to impacting Michigan communities and inspiring people by celebrating and honoring the traditions, legacies and history of sports throughout the state.