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

Texas high school quarterback Hayes Hackney is eligible to return after the University Interscholastic League overturned a district committee's ruling that had sidelined him over residency concerns.

The UIL State Executive Committee voted 3-0 Thursday, Oct. 29, to restore Hackney's eligibility to play for Argyle High School, according to Texas HS Football .

The decision reverses an Oct. 20 ruling by the District 3-5A Division II Executive Committee, which voted 6-0 that Hackney, a transfer from Prosper Walnut Grove, did not meet residency requirements.

The dispute centered on whether Hackney's family lived within Argyle ISD boundaries while still owning a home in Prosper.

During Thursday's hearing, the state committee found sufficient evidence that the family lives in Argyle. School administrators had testified that they made multiple home visits to verify the family's residence.

State committee chairman Mike Motheral also questioned an earlier determination that Hackney had not transferred for athletic purposes. That issue was decided in May and was not part of Thursday's appeal.

Hackney has thrown for 2,574 yards and 32 touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. Argyle is 8-1 and ranked No. 3 in Class 5A Division II.

Argyle defeated Colleyville Heritage 45-35 last week with sophomore quarterback Cobe Wilson while Hackney was sidelined.

Hackney can return Friday when Argyle faces Nevada Community in its regular-season finale ahead of the playoffs.