Lands with Illinois Hayden announced Tuesday via his personal Twitter account that he has committed to Illinois, joining the program as a graduate transfer from East Carolina. Impact The running back will reunite at Illinois with head coach Bret Bielema, with whom Hayden initially committed to out of high school in 2017, when Bielema coached at Arkansas. After a three-year stint at Arkansas, Hayden joined East Carolina this past season and logged 16 carries for 62 yards and a 31-yard reception before re-entering the portal. A redshirt junior this past season, Hayden will be able to compete immediately for the Fighting Illini in 2021 while retaining two years of eligibility.
JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE