One of Pennsylvania‘s top running backs and former Beaver County Times boys high school athlete of the year, Tikey Hayes, will have a new home during the 2026 season following his freshman year at Penn State.
Following the firing of head coach James Franklin during Hayes’ freshman season, the Aliquippa native will now take his talents to Iowa Western Community College, a JUCO powerhouse based in Council Bluffs, IA.
Per 247 Sports, 16 players who attended Iowa Western have committed to NCAA Division I programs, many of whom are nationally ranked in 2026.
The school has produced players who are going on to play at many of the top Power 4 schools, including Clemson, Wisconsin, Florida State, Purdue and West Virginia.
Along with the success of its recruits heading to Division I programs across the country, Iowa Western has made it to five straight NJCAA National Championships, winning in back-to-back seasons (2022 & 2023), along with a national championship this past season in 2025.
Hayes entered Penn State in 2025 as one of the top running backs in the country, ranked as a four-star prospect by Rivals and three-star by 247 Sports, On3 and ESPN. He was the No. 20 ranked running back and No. 7 prospect in Pennsylvania.
The freshman played in one game during his one season in Happy Valley, rushing three times for 18 yards.
He will now aim to make an impact at Iowa Western and jump back into the Division I level.
Ethan Morrison is the sports reporter for the Beaver County Times. Contact him at emorrison@usatodayco.com and follow him at EthanMorrison26 on X.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Former Aliquippa star joins JUCO ranks in second collegiate season
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