Redshirt Freshman Kicker with Elite High School Touchback Pedigree
Hayden Arnold is a redshirt freshman kicker for Baylor who didn't see game action in 2024 but boasts a proven high school track record as a two-year starter at Austin's Vandegrift HS, where he booted 37 touchbacks in 2022 and 21 in 2021[1]. His differentiator is elite touchback consistency and a compact 5'8", 178-lb frame that suggests strong leg leverage for a kicker, though he lacks current college stats to validate Big 12 readiness[1]. With Baylor's kicking unit ranked 11th in the Big 12 for field goals made in the 2025 season, Arnold offers high-upside depth if his redshirt year built intensity and mental toughness[1][2]. He's a fit for teams needing a reliable touchback specialist with room to grow, but not yet a proven game-day contributor.
