A Strategic Addition to the Texans' Roster
Josh Hayes, a Utah transfer, has officially joined Tarleton State's men's basketball program, marking the culmination of a recruiting cycle that filled the final spot on the 2026‑27 roster. The move comes as the team prepares for its first season in the United Athletic Conference, a new chapter for a program that has steadily expanded its Division I footprint.
Hayes brings a blend of size, basketball IQ and experience that the coaching staff believes will complement the existing core of four returning players and the eleven transfer portal signees. His career trajectory, from high school stardom at The Rock to a productive stint at Northwest Florida State, underscores a trajectory of growth that aligns with Coach Haut's emphasis on development and winning.
During his junior year at Utah, Hayes appeared in 32 games, averaging 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds while delivering a season‑high 10 points against Ole Miss. Prior to that, he posted 9.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game at Northwest Florida State, earning a place on the Panhandle All‑Conference Second Team, and was part of a state‑championship‑winning high school squad.
The Texans' roster now boasts twelve juniors or older, a depth that should provide stability as they navigate a competitive schedule. The transition to the United Athletic Conference, effective July 1, 2026, positions the team among a new set of rivals and offers a fresh platform to showcase their talent.
Coach Haut has highlighted Hayes's fit within the program's vision, noting that the player's commitment to improvement and his desire to compete at a high level make him a natural addition. With the regular season opening in less than three months, the team is poised to translate its assembled talent into on‑court results.