Former Penn State running back Tikey Hayes is back in action, but not for the Nittany Lions.
The Class of 2025 Rivals four-star prospect and three-star composite recruit had an interesting offseason. After playing in just one game as a true freshman for Penn State, totaling three carries for 18 yards in the Pinstripe Bowl, Hayes opted to look at different options for the remainder of his collegiate career.
That decision didn't happen smoothly, though. Hayes initially pledged his loyalty to the Nittany Lions soon after the 2025 season, but then went back on his word and entered the Transfer Portal. This bold move left Hayes team-less up until he joined Iowa Western Community College for the spring.
Now, Hayes has a second shot at Power Four competition. Head coach Matt Rhule has decided on adding the running back to Nebraska's roster. According to Reivers head coach Scott Strohmeier, Hayes intends on participating in the Cornhuskers' fall camp.
Former Penn State running back Tikey Hayes joins Nebraska's roster ahead of fall camp
According to Husker Corner Site Expert Oliver Vandervoort, Hayes' addition to Nebraska's running back room creates some possibilities of him getting playing time very soon. Vandervoort explained that Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee are the only two backs with college experience. Connor Booth and Jamal Rule will likely not be starters off the bat.
This puts Hayes in a great position. In the unlikely scenario that Hayes found his way back to Penn State, he would be on the bottom of the totem pole once more with the talent head coach Matt Campbell has to sift through.
Senior Carson Hansen and junior James Peoples, two transfer additions from the offseason, are favorited for RB1 and RB2, respectively. At No. 3, the competition ramps up between Quinton Martin Jr. and Cam Wallace. The Nittany Lions also have freshmen D'Antae Sheffey, Amar'e Glover, and Jeremy Washington on the roster.
Not having Hayes on the roster isn't a concern, but the Cornhuskers taking him feels like another dig at Campbell from Rhule's end. Recently, recruitment drama stirred between the two teams as Nebraska landed four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor from Pennsylvania, knocking the Nittany Lions out of the competition when they were favored to land Taylor for months prior to his commitment.
Campbell and Rhule won't get to sort this rivalry out on the field in 2026 as the teams are not scheduled to play each other, but they will meet in 2027. This gives Campbell some time to garner some momentum in recruiting and transfer battles before some familiar faces see each other on the field again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google