Bryson Hayes Returns Kickoff 95 Yards for Touchdown
The Kansas freshman wide receiver tied the game early with a record-breaking return against Kansas State.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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University of Kansas redshirt freshman wide receiver Bryson Hayes returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown just 1 minute and 56 seconds into the game on October 18, 2026. The play tied the game at 7-7 before Kansas eventually fell to Kansas State by a score of 35-24 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Why it matters
The return established a new mark as the longest kickoff return for a touchdown against Kansas State. Hayes, who replaced Dylan Edwards as the primary kick returner, demonstrated significant explosive potential in his expanded role for the Kansas offense.
Hayes recorded a 95-yard touchdown return and also registered one rush for 7 yards during the game. His physical profile includes a 4.36 40-yard dash time and a maximum recorded speed of 21.3 mph.
The players
Bryson Hayes
He is a redshirt freshman wide receiver for the University of Kansas from Wichita, Kansas.
Kansas State
This university operates a football program in Manhattan, Kansas, and competes in the Big 12 Conference.
University of Kansas
This institution is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and maintains a Division I football program.
The details
Hayes fielded the ball at the 5-yard line, navigated toward the sideline, and utilized a clear gap in the coverage to outrun the defense. This performance follows his earlier appearances where he recorded three catches for 50 yards against Middle Tennessee and two catches for 56 yards against Long Island.
Timeline
October 18, 2026: Bryson Hayes returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
October 24, 2026: Kansas plays Baylor at home.
Season Trajectory
This performance highlights the volatility of the return game as Kansas adjusts its personnel following the transition from Dylan Edwards. The loss impacts the team's standing as they prepare for a home game against Baylor.
Hayes has now secured the primary kick return role, a significant shift for fantasy rosters and special teams planning. The 35-24 loss to Kansas State complicates the team's path toward bowl eligibility as they prepare for the upcoming matchup with Baylor.
The takeaway
The performance underscores the value of recruiting high-speed athletes with elite track times like Hayes to change field position in college football. Developing players who can contribute immediately on special teams remains a vital strategy for teams looking to overcome roster depth challenges.
What happens next
Kansas will play Baylor at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and game analysis, visit the Football section.
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