Jaiden Haygood is UTRGV’s tackle-magnet linebacker with FCS-recognized freshman upside
In the 2025 season, Jaiden Haygood emerged as UTRGV’s defensive engine, leading the Vaqueros with 102 tackles, adding 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. He was named a Freshman All-American and earned third-team all-conference honors, with six double-digit tackle games and a career-high 17 tackles against No. 18 Lamar. What separates him is his effort, range, and football motor—UTRGV coaches and coverage praised how he “flies around to the football,” making him a strong fit for teams that want a high-energy, reliable, every-down linebacker.[2][5][7]
