Brandon Hayes Named Southland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week
HAMMOND, La. – In an impressive display of athleticism and skill, Brandon Hayes, a kick returner for the No. 19 Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) football team, has garnered the title of Southland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. This recognition comes after his pivotal contributions in the Lions’ commanding 38-14 victory on the road against HCU.
Key Performances
Hayes’s latest achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the first SLU player to receive weekly honors from the Southland Conference this season. Hailing from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this is the second occasion that Hayes has been honored with the Special Teams Player of the Week title, mirroring a previous accolade he earned on October 30, 2024.
During the game against HCU, Hayes showcased his explosive speed and game-changing ability by returning the second-half kickoff for a touchdown for the second consecutive week. His 85-yard return extended SLU’s lead to 21-7, emphasizing his pivotal role in the match.
Setting the Pace
The momentum continued for Hayes as he responded to an HCU pick-six late in the third quarter with yet another impressive play. Following the interception return, he broke free for a substantial 55-yard return on the ensuing kickoff, allowing the Lions to set up a field goal and stretch the lead further. On the day, Hayes averaged an astonishing 51.7 yards per kickoff return, an exceptional statistic highlighting his significant impact on the game.
Record-Breaking Potential
This season, Hayes has made history by becoming only the fourth player at SLU to record multiple kickoff return touchdowns in a single season. His name joins esteemed company, which includes notable players like Xavier Roberson, Juwan Petit-Frere, and Keylam Davis. With three career kickoff return touchdowns, Hayes ranks second in the program’s history, trailing only SLU Athletics Hall of Famer Roberson, who holds the record with five.
In the broader landscape of college football, Hayes stands out among FCS players, uniquely sharing the distinction of two kickoff return touchdowns this fall with Villanova’s Ja’briel Mace. Currently, he also ranks third in the FCS with an impressive average of 32.7 yards per kickoff return.
Upcoming Matchup
Looking ahead, Hayes and the Lions, boasting a solid record of 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the Southland Conference, are set to host East Texas A&M (2-6, 2-2 SLC) this Saturday, kicking off at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ or tune in via the Southeastern Sports Radio Network, which broadcasts on various local FM stations.
This Saturday’s game is especially notable, as it will feature Military Appreciation and Family Night, ensuring an engaging and festive atmosphere for both fans and players alike.
Ticket Information
For those interested in attending the game, ticket information is readily available through the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or via their official website, www.LionSports.net. Southeastern continues to enhance the fan experience by offering mobile ticketing as the primary method for securing access. Fans can conveniently receive tickets via email or text message, downloadable in PDF format, as well as to mobile wallets such as Apple Wallet.
Get Engaged
For ongoing updates and insights regarding Southeastern Football, fans are encouraged to follow the team’s social media accounts. Connect on X at @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo, like the official Facebook page at /SLUathletics, and keep up with Instagram posts at @lionupfootball for real-time news.
Support the Program
Enthusiastic supporters of the SLU football program are invited to become active members of the Touchdown Club. Alumni from the Lion football program are also encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which recognizes only those who have earned athletic letters. Memberships and donations to both clubs directly support the Southeastern football program.
For more information on membership details, individuals can reach out to the Lion Athletics Association via email at laa@southeastern.edu, by phone at (985) 549-5091, or by visiting www.LionUp.com.
Safety Measures
Affirming its commitment to fan safety, Southeastern Athletics has implemented a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For details regarding this policy, fans can refer to www.LionSports.net/clear.
Brandon Hayes’s performance and upcoming activities for the Southeastern Louisiana University football team promise an exciting season ahead, filled with athletic prowess and community engagement.