Penn State Football Adds Four-Star Running Back Tiqwai Hayes to 2025 Class
Penn State football continues to make waves in recruiting, as they secured a commitment from four-star running back Tiqwai Hayes on Monday. This marks the second consecutive day that the Nittany Lions have added a player to their Class of 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting addition:
Hayes hails from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and is considered a highly coveted prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings. Standing at 5-10 and weighing 185 pounds, he is ranked 342nd nationally and holds the impressive title of being the 11th best player in Pennsylvania.
The talented running back has received scholarship offers from several top-tier programs, including Ohio State, Michigan, West Virginia, Pitt, Syracuse, Maryland, and Cincinnati, among others. This demonstrates the high regard in which Hayes is held by college football programs across the country.
Hayes joins Kiandrea Barker as the second running back in Penn State’s Class of 2025. Barker, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, committed to the Nittany Lions back in April. With these two talented running backs on board, Penn State’s backfield looks promising for the future.
In addition to Hayes and Barker, Penn State’s 2025 class also includes cornerback Omari Gaines and linebacker DJ McClary. These four players form the foundation of what promises to be an impressive recruiting class for the Nittany Lions.
The recent victory over Iowa showcased Penn State’s program in front of a crowd filled with both committed and uncommitted prospects. McClary and Hayes were among the recruits in attendance, adding to the excitement surrounding their commitments.
While Hayes had already set his commitment date at his high school prior to the game, it will be interesting to see if the win and electric atmosphere at the game will have any impact on other potential recruits. The White Out effect, as it is commonly known, has historically been a significant factor in attracting top talent to Penn State.
Looking ahead, Penn State’s recruiting efforts are far from over. The 2024 class already boasts commitments from 24 players, but there is still work to be done to round out the group before the early signing period. However, the coaching staff is also turning their attention towards the Class of 2025 and beyond, ensuring a bright future for the program.
One player who caught the attention of James Franklin, Penn State’s head coach, during the White Out game was four-star defensive end Jaylen Harvey from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Harvey is one of the Nittany Lions’ top remaining targets for the 2024 class. Franklin’s interaction with Harvey, including hugs and playful punches, demonstrates the team’s strong interest in securing his commitment.
Harvey has been on Penn State’s radar for months, and the coaching staff had hoped to secure his commitment over the summer. The standout player from Quince Orchard High School also visited Florida, USC, and Maryland in June, indicating that he is weighing his options carefully.
As Penn State continues to make strides in recruiting, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting further developments. The addition of Tiqwai Hayes to the Class of 2025 adds another layer of excitement and potential to the Nittany Lions’ future. With a strong foundation in place, Penn State is poised for continued success both on and off the field.
Required reading: (Photo of James Franklin: Matthew O’Haren / USA Today)