Dayon Hayes Joins Former Pitt Teammate at Texas A&M

Dayon Hayes is joining a former Pitt teammate at his new home — for the second time in the last year.

Hayes — a 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end from Pittsburgh, Pa. — committed to Texas A&M on Friday night, Hayes Fawcett of On3 reported. He’s joining former Pitt linebacker Solomon DeShields, who served as a backup for the Aggies this season.

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Hayes spent the season at Colorado, after leaving Pitt during the spring, but he entered the transfer portal earlier this month. His lone season at Colorado was cut short by a season-ending injury after four games.

BREAKING: Colorado transfer EDGE Dayon Hayes has Committed to Texas A&M, he tells @on3sports

The 6’4 255 EDGE started the 1st 3 games for the Buffs before getting injured

Led the team in Sacks & TFLs before injury

1 year of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/uLuqvSNdEV

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 21, 2024

Hayes played in four games this season for Colorado, preserving another season of eligibility, and he recorded 163 defensive snaps. According to PFF, he recorded four pressures and three hurries — adding 10 run stops. He racked up 16 tackles (10 solo), four tackles for loss and two sacks this season.

He finished his Pitt career with 81 tackles (45 solo), 26.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and five pass breakups over four seasons — emerging as a starter in 2023.

Hayes is joining DeShields, who also left Pitt last offseason, and he will attempt to finish his college career on more of a high note in the SEC.

It’s the third stop in three seasons for Dayon Hayes, and as was the case with DeShields this season, nothing is certain when moving to a new school.

Pitt, on the other hand, is looking to revamp its defensive end rotation. There’s a solid core in place with Jimmy Scott, Sincere Edwards and Chief Borders, with some younger players waiting in the wings, but the Panthers are looking to add another end or two to the rotation.

The interior defensive line is more of a strength entering the new season as Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James, Isaiah Neal, Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington are all set to return.