Kaleb Hayes

Kaleb Hayes (born March 19, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and BYU Cougars.

Early life Hayes attended high school at San Gorgonio. Coming out of high school, Hayes was rated as a three star recruit, where he decided to commit to play college football for the Oregon State Beavers.

College career Oregon State In Hayes first two collegiate seasons in 2018 and 2019, he totaled 46 tackles, eight pass deflections, and an interception, in 17 games. Hayes decided to sit out of the 2020 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the conclusion of the 2020 season, Hayes decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

BYU Hayes decided to transfer to play for the BYU Cougars. In the 2021 season, Hayes tallied 26 tackles and 12 pass deflections in his first year with the Cougars. Heading into the 2022 season, Hayes was named one of the team captains for the Cougars. During the 2022 season, Hayes played in twelve games, while making ten starts for the Cougars, where he notched 41 tackles and seven pass deflections.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars After not being drafted in the 2023 NFL draft, Hayes signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2023. However during final roster cuts, Hayes was released by the Jaguars.

New York Giants On August 31, 2023, Hayes signed to the New York Giants practice squad. On January 8, 2024, after spending the entire 2023 season on the Giants practice squad, Hayes signed a futures contract with New York. He was waived on August 11, 2024.

Denver Broncos On August 12, 2024, Hayes was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos. He was waived on August 26, 2024.

Green Bay Packers On January 14, 2025, Hayes signed a reserve/futures contract with the Green Bay Packers. He was released by the Packers on May 21.

Chicago Bears On July 4, 2025, Hayes signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). However, Hayes signed with the Chicago Bears on August 12, meaning he was never active for the Panthers in any practices or games. On August 25, Hayes was waived by the Bears.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Hayes signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on January 20, 2026.