The Michigan Panthers began assembling their roster for the 2026 season on Thursday according to the UFL Transactions page. A new addition to the Panthers is defensive back Kaleb Hayes.
Kaleb Hayes is six foot and weighs 194 pounds. The 26-year-old from Pasadena, California, signed with the Green Bay Packers on January 14, 2025. The Packers released him on May 21, 2025.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Hayes as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he made six tackles (6 solos) and two pass breakups in three preseason games. The Jaguars released him on August 29, 2023. The New York Giants signed Hayes to the practice squad on August 31, 2023. He would re-sign with the Giants on January 8, 2024. In 2024, he played one preseason game for the Giants before they released him on August 11, 2024.
The Denver Broncos acquired him via waivers on August 12, 2024. He played two preseason games making two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist). The Broncos released him on August 26, 2024.
Collegiately, Hayes played two seasons at Oregon State (2018-19) making 46 tackles (32 solos, 14 assists), eight pass breakups, and one punt return for -9 yards in 17 games for the Beavers.
Then, he transferred to BYU (2021-22) making 67 tackles (47 solos, 20 assists) and 19 pass breakups in 24 games for the Cougars. He was named First Team All-Independent by Phil Steele, Pro Football Network’s Independent Defensive Back of the Year, First Team All-Independent, and All-Independent Defensive Secondary of the Year in 2021.
The Panthers re-signed the following players. Wide receivers Xavier Malone, Jaylon Moore, and Devin Ross, tight ends Gunner Oakes and Jalen Wydermyer, offensive linemen Brian Dooley, Noah Johnson, and Ryan Nelson, defensive lineman Benning Potoa’e and Walter Palmore, linebacker R.J. Moten, defensive back Michael Tutsie, kicker B.T. Potter, punter Seth Vernon, and long snappers Jordan Ober and Peter Bowden.
