Tikey Hayes, a former Penn State running back, is preparing to embark on a new chapter in his college football career. After a brief stint with the Nittany Lions, during which he logged 18 yards on a single carry, Hayes is now heading to Nebraska, where he will have four years of eligibility remaining.
The move comes after a standout high school career at Aliquippa High School in Pennsylvania, where he was rated as a four‑star recruit. In his junior season, Hayes amassed 450 rushing yards and four touchdowns in just three games, a performance that caught the attention of several programs before he committed to Penn State.
Hayes’ time at Penn State was limited to a single appearance, but the experience provided a foundation for his development. He now hopes to build on that foundation at Nebraska, where the coaching staff includes former Penn State assistant Matt Rhule, who was hired as the Cornhuskers’ head coach earlier this year.
A Strategic Move for the Cornhuskers
Before arriving in Lincoln, Hayes spent a year at Iowa Western Community College, a junior college known for producing NFL talent. The transition from the NJCAA to the Big Ten reflects both his confidence in his abilities and the program’s belief that he can contribute immediately.
Nebraska’s offense looks to add depth at the running back position, and Hayes’ eligibility window opens up opportunities for the Cornhuskers to reshape their backfield. With four years ahead, he joins a roster that is eager to return to national relevance under Rhule’s leadership.