Pitt defensive end Dayon Hayes says he plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Senior defensive end Dayon Hayes, who was expected to anchor Pitt’s line this season, told TribLive through a direct message on X (formerly Twitter) he is planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal for his final season of collegiate eligibility.

In a tweet Hayes posted from his X account, he said he still believes in his former Pitt teammates, adding, “This is a business and I think my time here has come to an end.”

I love you (PITT)SBURGH #H2P pic.twitter.com/7Kphy2TJiV

— DayonHayes (@dayonhayes00) April 16, 2024

Pitt DL Dayon Hayes (@dayonhayes00) tells us he will enter the portal. Had 25.5 TFL and 12 sacks. Will get a lot of interest. pic.twitter.com/Yp0telggls

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) April 15, 2024

Hayes, a graduate of Westinghouse High School, is the most recent significant departure from Pitt’s defensive line.

First, promising pass rusher Sam Okunlola transferred to Colorado after last season. Later in the offseason, Pitt lost assistant coach Charlie Partridge to the Indianapolis Colts. Defensive end Nate Temple was injured during spring drills and is lost for the season.

The Panthers also lost experienced defensive tackles David Green, Devin Danielson and Tyler Bentley after eligibility expired in 2023 after their senior seasons.

Hayes was a backup until last season when he recorded four sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for a loss among his 45 tackles. Overall for his four seasons at Pitt, Hayes totaled 25 1/2 TFLs and 12 sacks. He will generate plenty of interest from schools looking for experienced edge rushers.

Among players on the team in the spring, only Hayes (four), Bam Brima (three) and linebacker Solomon DeShields (two) recorded sacks last season.

Coach Pat Narduzzi was often complimentary of Hayes’ efforts in games and practices. But Pitt’s coaching staff in the past always was looking for more consistency from the 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior.

As recently as earlier this month, Hayes spoke of his need to step up and be a leader on Pitt’s defensive line.

“I’m waking up every day, thinking how can I be better,” he said, speaking to reporters after practice April 2. “There’s a lot of pressure on me, me being a senior. Being in front of the line every drill, hustling, trying to run to the ball, doing stuff that (line coach Tim Daoust) wants me to do.

“It’s hard because everyone’s looking at you. Usually, I was looking at Calijah (Kancey), Pat Jones, (Rashad) Weaver,” Hayes said, referring to previous Pitt defensive linemen. “Now, (young players) are looking at me. I have to accept it and I’m willing to take that.”

Hayes’ departure leaves a major hole at end, where Nate Matlack, a transfer from Kansas State, now brings the most experience. Brima, a senior, and Nahki Johnson, a West Mifflin graduate entering his junior season, were moved from end to tackle during spring drills and could revert back to their original positions over the summer.