UIL reinstates Texas high school star QB Hayes Hackney ahead of regular-season finale

Texas high school quarterback Hayes Hackney is set to resume playing for Argyle High School after the University Interscholastic League (UIL) reversed the initial decision that sidelined him over residency concerns. The ruling comes after the UIL State Executive Committee voted 3-0 on October 29, 2026, to restore Hackney's eligibility to play.

This decision overturns the District 3-5A Division II Executive Committee's earlier ruling of 6-0 on October 20, which had ruled that Hackney, a transfer from Prosper Walnut Grove, did not meet the required residency standards. The committee's inquiry found that Hackney's family indeed lived within the Argyle ISD boundaries, despite previously owning a property in Prosper.

School administrators had testified to having conducted multiple home visits to verify the family's residence. Furthermore, the state committee chairman, Mike Motheral, questioned the initial determination that Hackney had not transferred for athletic purposes, a matter that was ruled on in May and did not feature in Thursday's appeal.

Hackney has been a standout performer this season, having thrown for 2,574 yards and 32 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Argyle currently boasts an impressive 8-1 record and is ranked No. 3 in Class 5A Division II. The quarterback is poised to return for the team's regular-season finale against Nevada Community, scheduled for Friday, ahead of the playoffs.