For the second time in as many months, Ohio State Club Football is sending another student-athlete to play for the varsity Buckeyes.
Zach Hayes, a graduate of Nazareth Academy in Chicago, has been invited to join Ryan Day’s squad for the 2024 season as a walk-on.
“We are certainly going to miss Zach’s contributions to our team, but we are elated that he has the opportunity to walk on at Ohio State,” said Head Coach James Grega, Jr. “Zach is a very versatile athlete and will bring a very unique skillset to the Buckeyes. We are excited to see him fulfill his dream of walking on.”
Hayes played in eight games for the club football Buckeyes in 2023, starting each game on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, Hayes led the National Club Football Association in receptions with 43 and was third in the NCFA in receiving yards with 550. He caught eight touchdown passes, which was tied for second in the league. He was named a First Team NCFA All-American receiver as a freshman and helped the Buckeyes to a conference championship and national runner-up finish.
Defensively, Hayes started at both free safety and corner for Ohio State and finished the season with 20 total tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one interception. He also handled kickoff duties on occasion for the Buckeyes and was named an Honorable Mention NCFA All-American as a defensive back.
Hayes was a 5A state champion at Nazareth Academy coming out of high school, where he also starred as a wide receiver, defensive back and kicker.
Hayes joins 2023 club football teammate Glorien Gough as the second walk-on from last year’s team to move up to Ohio State’s varsity team. Other recent walk-ons from Ohio State Club Football include Chris Booker (2019-21), De’Shawn White (2017-18) and Eli Goins (2015-17).
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