The Nebraska Cornhuskers have secured a promising addition to their offense, bringing in former Penn State running back Tikey Hayes through the transfer portal.
Hayes arrives with the pedigree of a four‑star recruit and four years of eligibility remaining, giving the Cornhuskers a versatile option for the backfield.
During his most recent stint with the Nittany Lions he managed just 18 rushing yards on three carries, a modest figure that highlights the need for fresh talent.
He will join a crowded stable that already features Isaiah Mozee, Mokhi Lenson, Kwinten Ives, Conor Booth and Jalam Rule, all of whom are expected to benefit from the new competition.
What This Means for the Rushing Game
The move comes as Nebraska looks to climb out of the bottom tier of the national rushing rankings; last season the team finished 81st with just 145.9 yards per game.
A bright spot from the previous year was Emmett Johnson, who topped the team with 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and was subsequently drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Cornhuskers are slated to open the 2026 campaign against the Ohio Bobcats on September 5 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the new‑look backfield will make its first appearance.
Coach Sean Callahan, who has been overseeing the team's offensive development, is expected to integrate Hayes into a more dynamic scheme that emphasizes speed and agility.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the addition could shift the balance in a conference that has traditionally favored balanced attacks.