2025 4-Star WPIAL Star RB Includes WVU Football in Top 8

When you’re part of a power house team year in and year out, it’s tough to have the spotlight on you as an individual for too long. But Tiqwai Hayes’ time is coming and the WVU Football program could very well benefit.

Hayes — a 6-foot-1, 190-pound four-star running back from Aliquippa High School in Aliquippa, PA is a highly coveted recruit in the class of 2025. And he just cut down his list of offers to just eight programs. Cincinnati, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Pitt and of course, WVU are those eight schools.

Top 8‼️ blessed to be sharing this #Goddid pic.twitter.com/kM8co5CF8x

— ✊🏽tikey✊🏽 (@Tiqwaihayes) September 5, 2023

And as a kid who grew up not far from the likes of Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia, he’s visited all three multiple times over the last couple of years

Hayes’ most recent trip to Morgantown came in early May. “Had a very good time up Morgantown with the guys and learned a lot from the inside zone man himself.” Hayes said about his experience with the West Virginia staff. He also thanked WVU offensive coordinator Chad Scott for extending the invite. 

Had a very good time up Morgan town with the guys and learned a lot from the inside zone man himself @CoachChadScott💪🏾thanks for the invite @CoachWright37 thanks again WVU @cx_lindsey @DonovanWalkerr @b_banks6 #mountaineers🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/qFT9Va1ykk

— ✊🏽tikey✊🏽 (@Tiqwaihayes) March 7, 2022

It’s not hard to see why so many big time schools are high on the explosive running back either.

Hayes, who was named a MaxPreps Freshman and Sophomore All-American over the last two seasons, racked up 224 carries for 2,011 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, adding five pass breakups, three interceptions and two pick-sixes.

And he’s started his junior off on the right foot with a 168-yard, 3-touchdown performance in a win over Armstrong High.

Rivals rates Hayes as the 217th-ranked recruit in the class (20th-ranked running back and fifth-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania). 247Sports rates him as the 340th-ranked recruit in the class (33rd-ranked running back and 11th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania) while On3 rates him as the 351st-ranked recruit in the class (29th-ranked running back and 10th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania).

Click here for WVSN’s complete coverage of WVU football recruiting.