Hayden King, a long snapper for the University of Tennessee at Martin, has been selected for the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All‑America Team for the 2026 season, a testament to his dominance at the position.
A Deep‑Dive into the Special Teams Surge
During the 2025 campaign King appeared in all 12 games, serving as the team’s primary long snapper and also contributing on short‑snap duties. His precision helped the Skyhawks avoid any blocked kicks or punts, a rarity that placed the unit at the top of the national rankings.
The specialists under his snap posted a 95.4 percent conversion rate on field goals and extra points, going 15‑of‑17 on field goals and a perfect 27‑of‑27 on PATs. Meanwhile, the punting game averaged 41.1 yards per kick, with King also registering two tackles on coverage units.
King’s accolades extend beyond this season’s preseason list; he was named to the All‑OVC‑Big South first team in the previous year, underscoring his consistent excellence.
Looking ahead, the Skyhawks open their schedule on August 27 against Central Arkansas, a matchup that will test the depth of a unit that has been praised as the best in the country.