Boykin, Hastings, Pouncey, and Smith, to be honored at Oct. 30 Luncheon in Atlanta

The rivalry game will be played in Atlanta in 2026 and Tampa in 2027, and return to the City of Jacksonville in 2028 in the Stadium of the Future.

“Jacksonville has served as the stage for the Georgia-Florida rivalry since 1933,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We are proud to honor some of the players who have contributed to the legacy of this cherished tradition and look forward to welcoming the rivalry back to Jacksonville in 2028.”

This year’s inductees include Georgia Bulldogs Brandon Boykin and Andre Hastings and Florida Gator greats Maurkice Pouncey and Emmitt Smith. These four players will be recognized at the Induction Luncheon for their exceptional contributions to the storied rivalry between the two programs.

University of Georgia

Brandon Boykin, Georgia Bulldog 2008-2011

Brandon Boykin established himself as one of Georgia’s most dynamic and versatile playmakers during his career from 2008 to 2011. Against Florida, Boykin recorded 17 tackles, including four tackles for loss, three pass breakups and 298 return yards. He capped his Georgia-Florida career with a 24-20 victory in 2011, helping the Bulldogs secure the SEC East title.

Boykin’s versatility was on full display during his senior season when he earned All-SEC honors and the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player. He remains Georgia’s all-time leader in kickoff return yardage with 2,663 yards and became the first player in SEC history to record three 100-yard plays of any kind — all kickoff returns. Boykin finished his Georgia career with 159 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine interceptions and five return touchdowns before being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. During six NFL seasons, he recorded 145 tackles and eight interceptions and led the league in interceptions in 2013. Following his playing career, Boykin transitioned into sports media and coaching, including covering the SEC for Atlanta’s WSB-TV.

Andre Hastings, Georgia Bulldog 1990-1992

Andre Hastings emerged as one of Georgia’s top offensive weapons during his three seasons in Athens, leading the Bulldogs in receiving in each of his final two seasons. A favorite target of quarterback Eric Zeier, Hastings finished his Georgia career with 124 receptions for 1,876 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a 52-catch junior season that delivered him 860 yards and five scores. He also made an impact on special teams, returning 43 kickoffs for 1,096 yards and a touchdown. Hastings found the end zone in each of his first two appearances against Florida and totaled 132 receiving yards across his final two matchups with the Gators.

Selected 76th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft, Hastings went on to play eight NFL seasons with the Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He totaled 266 receptions for 3,307 yards and 18 touchdowns, highlighted by a 10-catch, 98-yard performance for Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XXX. Following his playing career, Hastings became a business owner and dedicated himself to serving youth in his community. He also pursued a passion for canine behavior and psychology, becoming a cynologist and training service, therapy, police, working and companion dogs.

University of Florida

Maurkice Pouncey, Florida Gator 2007-2009

Maurkice Pouncey helped anchor one of the most dominant eras in Florida football history, playing a pivotal role in the Gators’ success from 2007 to 2009. During his three seasons in Gainesville, Florida posted a 36-5 record, captured two SEC Championships, and won the 2008 BCS National Championship. Pouncey faced Georgia three times, helping lead the Gators to back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2009 while protecting Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow and paving the way for one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.

A Freshman All-American in 2007, Pouncey developed into the nation’s premier center by his junior season. In 2009, he became the first player in Florida history to win the Rimington Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top center, while earning Consensus First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors. He started 39 games during his collegiate career before being selected 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Over an 11-year NFL career, Pouncey was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Second-Team All-Pro, a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, and was later inducted into both the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor.

Emmitt Smith, Florida Gator 1987-1989

Before becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith established himself as one of the greatest players in University of Florida history. A three-year standout from 1987 to 1989, Smith rewrote the Gators’ record book while delivering memorable performances against Georgia, including a 224-yard effort in his first collegiate start during the 1987 season. He finished his Florida career as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,928 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns, helping elevate the Gators into national prominence while earning three consecutive First-Team All-SEC selections.

Smith’s remarkable junior season included 1,599 rushing yards, Consensus First-Team All-American honors, and SEC Most Valuable Player recognition before he was selected in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. During a 15-year NFL career, he became the league’s all-time leading rusher, won three Super Bowl championships, earned NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP honors, and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. A member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame, Smith’s impact on the game continues to stand among the greatest in football history.

Tickets for the 2026 Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Lunch presented by Miller Electric Company at the College Football Hall of Fame are on sale now at gafljax.com/hall_of_fame.

About the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon Presented by Miller Electric Company:

Established in 1995, the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame celebrates the remarkable players, coaches, and administrators who have shaped one of college football’s most enduring rivalries. Over its 30+ year history, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 distinguished individuals, including iconic Gators like Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, and Fred Taylor, as well as legendary Bulldogs such as Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack, and Knowshon Moreno.

About the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment:

The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events yearly, making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.

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