Jojo Hayden

2025 SOPHOMORE Played in 11 games 26 tackles (13 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one quarterback hurry Four tackles (two solo), with 0.5 tackles for loss vs. #1 Ohio State (10/11/25) Five tackles (three solo) with a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry in rivalry win at Purdue (10/4/25) Career-high seven tackles (two solo) in win vs. #21 USC (9/27/25) Five tackles (three solo) with 1.0 tackle for loss in win vs. Western Michigan (9/13/25) 2024 REDSHIRT FRESHMAN Played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024 Eight tackles (four solo), 0.5 tackles for loss, and one QB hurry on the season 2023 REDSHIRTS Did not play in a game and redshirted the season HIGH SCHOOL Four-star recruit by Rivals Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3 Position ranks: #25 (Rivals), #65 (247), #107 (ESPN), #172 (On3) State ranks: #8 (Rivals), #18 (ESPN), #22 (247), #46 (On3) Played for head coach Darren Sunkett at East St. Louis Senior High Helped East St. Louis to the 2022 IHSA 6A state championhship at Memorial Stadium Two-time IHSFCA 6A All-State Two-time St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro Four-time All-Southwestern Conference 92 tackles and 9.0 sacks as a senior Offers included Colorado, Mississippi State, Missouri, Arkansas State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Toledo, and Western Michigan PERSONAL Born on February 21, 2005 Son of Lekisha Hill Twin brother, Keshawn, and two sisters, Anisha and Kanisha. Chose Illinois because, “It was the best place for me and a place I see that will change enormously in the future.” Majoring in recreation, sport, & tourism RELATED CONTENT There is no related content available.