Nebraska has added running back Tikey Hayes to its roster, a late transfer that arrives less than two months before the Huskers' Sept. 5 season opener against Ohio. The move gives Nebraska added depth in a position group that has been described as one of its top questions entering the 2026 season.
Hayes spent his initial collegiate season at Penn State, appearing in one game — the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl — where he carried the ball three times for 18 yards. After leaving Penn State in January, Hayes spent spring with Iowa Western Community College before deciding to transfer to Nebraska. Reports indicate he has four years of eligibility remaining.
What this means for Nebraska
The addition provides immediate depth to a backfield that had uncertainty, particularly around running back Mekhi Nelson, who was expected to compete for the RB1 role this fall. There has been no public update on Nelson’s status from the university or coaching staff in the reporting that announced Hayes’ arrival.
Hayes’ arrival comes 53 days before Nebraska opens the season, giving him limited time to learn the playbook and make an impression during fall camp.
Hayes’ background and production
Hayes starred at Aliquippa High School in Pennsylvania before signing with Penn State as part of the 2025 recruiting class. He drew offers from multiple Division I programs during his recruitment and was listed as a composite three-star prospect.
- Junior year (high school): 2,239 yards and 26 touchdowns on 230 carries.
- Senior year (high school): 1,022 yards and 17 touchdowns on 97 carries.
- College (Penn State): Appeared in the Pinstripe Bowl; 3 carries for 18 yards.
BREAKING: Nebraska is set to add former Penn State RB Tikey Hayes as a late addition to its 2026 roster. The former four-star recruit spent the spring at Iowa Western CC after leaving PSU in January. He has four years of eligibility remaining.
| Level | Team | Notable stats |
|---|---|---|
| High school (junior) | Aliquippa HS (PA) | 2,239 yards, 26 TDs on 230 carries |
| High school (senior) | Aliquippa HS (PA) | 1,022 yards, 17 TDs on 97 carries |
| College (Penn State) | Penn State | 3 carries, 18 yards (Pinstripe Bowl) |
Coaches will evaluate how quickly Hayes can integrate into offensive packages and special teams. His high school production was prolific, but his limited collegiate snaps mean the coaching staff must assess whether he is ready to contend immediately for significant carries.
For Nebraska fans and local followers, the transfer adds intrigue to the Huskers' backfield competition as fall camp approaches. The program did not release an immediate comment on Hayes’ arrival in the initial reports announcing the move.
Updates are expected as Hayes enrolls with the team and participates in fall activities leading up to the season opener on Sept. 5.
