Former Pitt defensive end Dayon Hayes needed less than a week to find a new home.
The Westinghouse graduate posted on his X page Sunday that he has verbally committed to play his final season of eligibility at Colorado. He announced Monday that he planned to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
I WANT IT ALL #SkoBuffs ????#GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/rUMt2FFzgG
— DayonHayes (@dayonhayes00) April 21, 2024
Hayes told TribLive he was attracted to Colorado by the coaching and support staff, led by head coach Deion Sanders. “They all believe in one goal.”
He added, “Can’t beat the exposure.”
Hayes, who was expected to provide a pass rush off the edge and leadership in the locker room for Pitt this season, joins former Panthers defensive end Sam Okunlola in Colorado. Okunlola transferred at the end of the 2023 season.
Colorado is moving to the Big 12 this season after posting a 1-8 record (4-8 overall) in the Pac-12 last season.
A backup until last season, Hayes recorded four sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for a loss among his 45 tackles in 2023. Overall for his four seasons at Pitt, Hayes totaled 25 1/2 TFLs and 12 sacks.
Hayes is one of 15 Pitt players to announce plans to transfer since the end of the 2023 season. So far, five have said they will play this season at Power 5 conference schools, including Hayes and Okunlola. Safety Buddy Mack, linebacker Bangally Kamara and defensive tackle Deandre Jules signed with South Carolina.
