A power four running back with ties to Tennessee football announced his plans to enter the transfer portal Friday night. Colorado’s Dallan Hayden is entering the portal after spending the last two years at Colorado and with one year of eligibility remaining.
Dallan Hayden is the son of former Tennessee running back Aaron Hayden. Aaron played at Tennessee from 1991-94 where he combined to rush for 2,061 yards and 21 touchdowns in his four-year career.
The former Tennessee running back’s best season came as a senior in 1994 when he rushed for 819 yards and three touchdowns while also catching seven passes for 115 yards.
Dallan Hayden was a four-star recruit in the 2022 recruiting cycle, committing and signing with Ohio State football. He had a solid role as a freshman, rushing for 553 yards and five touchdown. But injuries plagued Hayden during his true sophomore season. He redshirted that year before entering the transfer portal.
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The Memphis native landed at Colorado. He was banged up throughout the 2024 season before rushing for 326 yards and a touchdown on 70 carries last season. Hayden also caught four passes for 15 yards.
Tennessee football could target Hayden in the portal. The Vols lose two of their top three running backs from last season as Star Thomas is out of eligibility and sophomore running back Peyton Lewis announced plans to enter the transfer portal earlier this month.
DeSean Bishop was Tennessee’s lead rusher in 2025, totaling 983 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. He’s back next season as along with freshmen Daune Morris and Justin Baker. Morris earned limited playing time as a freshman, rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown.
The Vols could use a veteran running back on next year’s roster to provide depth behind Bishop. With one year of eligibility remaining and Tennessee ties, Hayden could fill that role on the Vols’ roster.
