Nebraska has dismissed running back Tikey Hayes from the football program. Hayes, a 5’11”, 205-pound back, arrived in Lincoln this summer as a late addition after spending the spring semester at Iowa Western Community College. The former Penn State signee offered a bit more experience in a running back room looking to replace Emmett Johnson. 

A product of Aliquippa (Pa.) High School, Hayes signed with Penn State in the 2025 recruiting class. As a true freshman in 2025, he appeared in one game, carrying three times for 18 yards, before entering the transfer portal and landing at Iowa Western. He joined Nebraska in mid-July. 

His dismissal came after roughly a month and about nine practices with the Huskers. It leaves Nebraska with one fewer option at the position as fall camp continues, and the team prepares for its Sept. 5 season opener against Ohio. 

No specific reason has been publicly disclosed beyond a disciplinary issue. Reports indicate Penn State was content to see Hayes enter the portal, and unconfirmed rumors have circulated about friction with teammates, including near altercations during practice, at both Penn State and Nebraska. Those claims remain unverified. Removing a player after only nine practices from one of the least experienced position groups shows that there was a serious concern. 

Nebraska’s running back battle now returns to three, with Mehki Nelson, Isiah Mozee, and the true freshman Jamal Rule all fighting for that RB1 spot. I do expect the other backs further down the depth chart to benefit from this dismissal, seeing more snaps and reps. Kwinten Ives, Conor Booth, and Vincent Genatone have all reportedly been having a good fall camp, now it’s up to one of them to take the next step.