Chris Hayes
Sophomore defensive lineman on Southern Miss's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′3″ · 260 lb · Starkville, MS · Starkville HS
Recruiting
OT recruit
No. 2350 nationally · Signed with Southern Miss
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
2 defensive lineman on Southern Miss's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Southern Miss in 2023.
Chris Hayes
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2023
- Signed with Southern Miss3-star out of Starkville
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Blake Anderson
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at defensive lineman for Southern Miss -- now still projected as a developmental piece on the defensive line.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Southern Miss has produced 5 All-Conference defensive linemen. 2 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2008. Robert Henderson went on to the NFL out of this room (2008).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Southern Miss
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive line · Southern Miss
Returning around him
- Transfer portal: +10 net (38 in / 28 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Southern Miss · Last season: 7-6 · Talent rank #94 · 2026 recruiting class #108
Background
2024 (R-Fr.): Played in nine games…Saw action mostly on special teams. 2023 (Fr.): Appeared in four games with no starting assignments…Played on special teams…Redshirted. High School: Helped Starkville High to the Class 6A State championship this fall, defeating Brandon 48-32 at The Rock…Named to...
The defensive line · Southern Miss
- #5JJ Hawkins5.5 tackles for loss · 2025
- #16Jameer Lewis4.5 tackles for loss · 2025
- #36Brodarius Lewis3 tackles for loss · 2025
- #7Isaiah Gibson Sr.1.5 tackles for loss · 2025
- #59Chris Hayesno box-score line yet
26 more on the roster · Southern Miss team page