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It's decision day for Tiqwai Hayes; will the running back pick Penn State?

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel09/25/23GregPickel
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Tiqwai Hayes.

It is decision day for three-star Class of 2025 running back Tiqwai Hayes. Penn State is a finalist for the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Aliquippa native. Will he pick the Lions today?

Hayes will announce his choice at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Besides the Lions, he is also considering Pitt, Ohio State, Michigan, West Virginia., Maryland, Cincinnati, and Michigan State. He has only seen the Nittany Lions this year, as he was previously in State College to see head coach James Franklin’s team knock off WVU in the opener. Hayes took two prior unofficial visits to West Virginia. He has seen Pitt and the Buckeyes as a recruit, as well.

“Hayes has taken by far the most visits to Penn State to this point, making it to campus eight times,” BWI recruiting insider Ryan Snyder wrote earlier this year. Between a junior day last year, the Blue-White Game, the Lasch Bash and multiple games, he’s seen just about everything. He’s also been very productive on the field, totaling 3,727 yards rushing and 56 touchdowns the past two seasons.

“Totaling a dozen offers so far, Hayes needs to see some other schools before he can narrow his list. However, the early relationship with Terry Smith, as well as all the visits, suggests this should be a player Penn State can land if they decide to push. So far, Pitt and West Virginia are the only other two schools Hayes has seen.”

Will Penn State land Tiqwai Hayes?

Now, nearly 20 schools have offered Hayes. But, Penn State has long been seen as the favorite, mostly because of the prospect’s relationship with associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith. Powered by picks from BWI recruiting insiders Sean Fitz and Ryan Snyder, the Lions have a commanding lead in the On3 Recruiitng Prediction Machine ahead of Hayes’ announcement.

BWI subscribers had an early heads up on Hayes’ announcement via Fitz’s ‘S’ Zone last Friday.

“The focus this weekend is squarely on a few 2025 prospects that make sense for the Nittany Lions,” Fitz wrote. “Aliquippa running back Tiqwai Hayes seems like the lay-up. He’s been to Penn State far more than any other school and he’s already planned an announcement for Monday at his school. Will he get swept up on Saturday night and go public? It could happen, but Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET is where we are focused with Hayes. The Nittany Lions are ready to take the productive back and add a second ball carrier to the mix in 2025. “

Penn State, of course, already has a commitment at running back from Arkansas four-star Kiandrea Barker. It is hoping Hayes joins him today. Stay tuned to Blue-White Illustrated for updates following the announcement.

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