The TCU Horned Frogs picked up a commitment from one of the top 2026 specialists in the country Sunday evening. Southlake Carroll defensive end and punter Zachary Hays, ranked a six-star punting prospect and a three-star overall prospect by 247Sports, announced his commitment to the Horned Frogs on social media. Hays ranks as the No. 8 punting prospect nationally, according to the 247Sports composite ratings system.
Hays, who was previously committed to Louisiana Tech, becomes the 21st recruit of the 2026 class for the Horned Frogs. TCU currently rosters only two punters, one of which is senior starter Ethan Craw. Hays, who has been selected to participate in the Navy All-American Bowl, was named a Texas 4-6A All-District First Team honoree as a defensive end and a Second-Team selection as a punter in 2024. Hays averaged 35.5 yards per punt, downing three inside the 20-yard line. He also served as a placeholder for Duke kicker commit Gavin Strange.
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Hays totaled 66 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, along with 13 quarterback hurries, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on defense, helping Southlake Carroll reach state semifinals in 2024. Hays, who committed to Louisiana Tech in August, also holds offers from Baylor and SMU.
