College football never really stands still. With the transfer portal now at the heart of team building and player careers, the landscape keeps shifting. Nevada Wolf Pack fans have seen plenty of players arrive and depart as they chase fresh opportunities or more eligibility. Here’s a look at the latest moves for Nevada football, with a spotlight on TE Jett Carpenter and RB Ashton Hayes. If you want a full breakdown of every Wolf Pack transfer, there’s a handy tracking page for that.
Jett Carpenter: A Journey Through College Football
Jett Carpenter’s college football path has been wild, honestly. He spent five years at Eastern Washington University (EWU), then one season with Nevada, and now he’s aiming for a rare seventh year of eligibility.
He’s been strategic—using a COVID year in 2020, a regular redshirt in 2021, and possibly a medical redshirt from 2023. If the NCAA gives him the green light, he could suit up again in 2026.
Performance at Eastern Washington
At EWU, Carpenter played 23 games and caught 13 passes for 74 yards, with two touchdowns. Not exactly headline-grabbing stats, but it set the stage for what he’d do later.
Impact at Nevada
Once he landed at Nevada, Carpenter finally broke out. He led the team with 35 catches for 374 yards and two touchdowns, which earned him an All-Mountain West honorable mention.
He even chipped in three tackles on special teams. The guy’s versatility stands out.
If you want more details on his journey and what’s next, here’s the full report.
Ashton Hayes: A Career Marked by Resilience
Ashton Hayes has had a bumpy ride through college football. He starred at Damonte Ranch and McQueen in high school, then committed to Nebraska before flipping to Cal, where he barely saw the field as a freshman in 2022.
Transfers and Position Changes
He moved to Nevada in 2023, but things didn’t go smoothly—he tore his ACL early in the season. Despite that, Hayes bounced back and tried switching from running back to wide receiver in 2024, only to return to running back in 2025.
He never quite nailed down a top spot on the depth chart at either position. It’s tough, but he kept at it.
Career Statistics
Here’s what Hayes has put up so far:
- 37 carries for 144 yards (3.9 yards per carry)
- Seven catches for 21 yards (3.0 yards per reception)
- 15 kickoff returns for an average of 18.3 yards
- One tackle
He hasn’t had eye-popping numbers, but you can see flashes of what he’s capable of. With up to two years left to play, maybe there’s still a breakout in his future. For a deeper dive, check out the Nevada Sports Net.
The Importance of the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has totally changed the college football game. Players now have way more flexibility to find a program that fits them, and teams can reload faster than ever.
Benefits for Players
For players, the portal can be a game-changer. It offers:
- More visibility to coaches at other schools
- Chances to find a better fit for their skills or goals
- Fresh starts after injuries or setbacks
Benefits for Programs
For teams, it’s a lifeline. They can:
- Adjust rosters quickly when there are gaps
- Add experience and leadership from players who’ve been around
- Ramp up competition and push everyone to get better
If you want to keep up with all the Nevada football moves in the portal, the Nevada Sports Net has you covered.
Looking Ahead
The transfer portal window opens from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16. Honestly, who knows what kind of movement and surprises we’ll see this time around?
Everyone’s got an eye on players like Jett Carpenter and Ashton Hayes. They’re figuring out their next steps, and it’s never as simple as it looks from the outside.
If you’re following Nevada football, buckle up—there’s always something brewing. For the latest news and deeper dives, check out the Nevada Sports Net.
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