Congratulations to Herschel Walker, Manny Diaz and Jeff Wallace on being selected for induction into the UGA Athletic Association Circle of Honor Class of 2025!
The University of Georgia has long been home to exceptional athletes and coaches who have not only achieved greatness in their respective sports but have also left an enduring legacy within the Bulldog Nation. This year, three iconic figures—Herschel Walker, Manny Diaz, and Jeff Wallace—have been selected for one of UGA’s most prestigious accolades: induction into the UGA Athletic Association Circle of Honor, Class of 2025.
This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who have brought extraordinary distinction to the University of Georgia through their athletic accomplishments and continued contributions. In 2025, the Circle of Honor expands to include a football legend, a tennis trailblazer, and a coaching icon who helped elevate UGA athletics to new heights.
Few names resonate more with Georgia football fans than Herschel Walker. Widely regarded as one of the greatest college football players of all time, Walker’s name is synonymous with excellence, dominance, and an unwavering Bulldog spirit.
Walker burst onto the scene in 1980 as a freshman and quickly rewrote the playbook for what a college running back could accomplish. He led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and a national championship, setting the tone for a storied collegiate career. His blend of speed, power, and determination electrified Sanford Stadium and earned him a special place in the hearts of fans across the country.
Over three years, Walker amassed 5,259 rushing yards—still the most in SEC history for a three-year career—and 49 touchdowns. He was a three-time consensus All-American and the recipient of the 1982 Heisman Trophy. Beyond the numbers, his legacy is defined by his fierce competitiveness, humility, and the pride he brought to the University of Georgia.
Even after his collegiate career, Walker’s influence continued as he made a name for himself in the NFL and later in other professional sports and public service. His selection to the Circle of Honor is a recognition not just of his athletic greatness, but also of his continued commitment to excellence and leadership.
Manny Diaz has spent more than four decades building Georgia Men’s Tennis into one of the most respected and dominant programs in the country. As head coach since 1989, Diaz has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, passion, and a relentless drive for success.
A former UGA All-American player himself, Diaz returned to Athens to serve as an assistant coach under the legendary Dan Magill, before taking over the program. Under Diaz’s leadership, the Bulldogs have won four NCAA team national championships (1999, 2001, 2007, and 2008), and an astonishing 28 SEC titles (dual match and tournament combined). His teams have consistently been among the best in the nation, known not only for their talent but for their discipline and sportsmanship.
Diaz has coached dozens of All-Americans and professional players and has made Athens a mecca for collegiate tennis. But perhaps more importantly, he’s helped mold generations of young men into leaders, professionals, and proud Georgia alumni. His commitment to excellence on and off the court makes his induction into the Circle of Honor both fitting and overdue.
His legacy is one of consistency, championship culture, and enduring influence—not just at UGA but across the sport of tennis at the collegiate level. Manny Diaz’s name now takes its rightful place alongside the greatest figures in Georgia athletics history.
While Manny Diaz was leading the men’s program, Jeff Wallace was making equal waves on the women’s side, turning Georgia Women’s Tennis into a powerhouse for more than three decades. As the winningest coach in program history, Wallace’s impact on UGA athletics is immeasurable.
Wallace took the reins of the women’s tennis program in 1986 and led the team to two NCAA national championships (1994 and 2000), six national indoor championships, and more than 20 SEC titles. Under his guidance, Georgia consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation, producing numerous All-Americans and professional players.
Known for his player-first approach and tactical brilliance, Wallace was also beloved for his ability to create a family-like culture within his teams. He was instrumental in helping female student-athletes excel not only on the court but also in the classroom and in their post-collegiate careers.
Wallace’s commitment to the growth of women’s athletics at UGA, along with his nearly four decades of excellence, makes him a quintessential example of the values embodied by the Circle of Honor. His induction is a celebration of his enduring legacy and the many lives he has positively impacted.
Though their paths and sports are different, what unites Herschel Walker, Manny Diaz, and Jeff Wallace is their unmatched dedication to the University of Georgia and their contributions to elevating Bulldog athletics to national prominence. Each of them represents the highest standard of excellence, leadership, and character—core tenets of the Circle of Honor.
The 2025 induction is more than just a recognition of their past accomplishments. It is a celebration of how they’ve shaped Georgia athletics and inspired countless student-athletes and fans over the decades. Their influence stretches beyond wins and championships. They’ve instilled pride in the “G”, nurtured a culture of integrity and perseverance, and built legacies that will endure for generations.
The Circle of Honor serves as a reminder that greatness at the University of Georgia is not confined to the field or the court—it lives on through the people who wear the Red and Black with distinction. As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we honor not only their achievements but also their continued role as ambassadors for the Bulldog family.
Congratulations to Herschel Walker, Manny Diaz, and Jeff Wallace on this well-deserved recognition. Your names will forever be etched in UGA history, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Bulldogs to chase greatness, just as you did.
