Tulsa Receiver Scored After Tipping Pass to Himself

David Wells Jr. secured a touchdown catch off a deflected pass during Tulsa's game against Navy in Annapolis.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a football player in gold and blue uniform making an acrobatic catch against a dark stadium background. — Tulsa wide receiver David Wells Jr. scored a critical touchdown after deflecting a pass backward to himself during the contest against Navy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tulsa wide receiver David Wells Jr. recorded a touchdown after tipping a pass backward to himself at the 10-yard line. The play helped spark offensive momentum during the contest against Navy.

Why it matters

The acrobatic catch provided a critical score in a game where Tulsa sought to capitalize on early opportunities against a historically strong Navy program. The touchdown was a major contributor to Tulsa establishing a double-digit lead early in the second half.

Tulsa moved to a 3-2 record on the season while leading 26-14 early in the second half. This performance followed a previous season where the team finished with a 4-8 record compared to Navy's 11-2 finish.

The players

David Wells Jr.

He is a Tulsa wide receiver who recorded a touchdown by catching a tipped pass.

Baylor Hayes

He is the quarterback for Tulsa who initiated the scoring play.

Oran Singleton Jr.

He is a Tulsa receiver who contributed to the scoring drive and later added his own touchdown.

The details

Quarterback Baylor Hayes initiated the scoring play by passing to Oran Singleton Jr., who escaped a tackle before throwing the ball into coverage. Wells then deflected the ball to himself to complete the score at the 10-yard line while the game was tied 7-7.

The touchdown catch occurred with under two minutes remaining in the first quarter on October 10, 2026.
Navy secured the Liberty Bowl victory last year.

Season Trajectory

This matchup serves as a significant hurdle for Tulsa as they attempt to improve upon their 4-8 record from last year. Facing a Navy team that won the 2025 Liberty Bowl provides a clear benchmark for Tulsa's growth during this current season.

Tulsa's 26-14 lead in the second half positions the team favorably in the broader standings race for the season. The offensive production from players like Wells and Singleton suggests a shift in rotation effectiveness for the team compared to their previous season.

The takeaway

Players looking to improve their impact on the field can emphasize ball tracking and situational awareness during broken plays. This touchdown demonstrates how maintaining focus on a tipped pass can turn a potential turnover into a scoring opportunity.