Argyle will have to finish the 2026 season without one of the most productive quarterbacks in Texas High School football.
Junior quarterback Hayes Hackney was ruled ineligible for varsity competition Tuesday following a unanimous 6-0 vote by the District 3-5A Division II Executive Committee.
The ruling stems from a residency dispute involving Hackney, who transferred from Prosper Walnut Grove to Argyle before his junior season.
Hackney had previously been cleared to play for Argyle in May by a 4-2 vote. Because he was originally ruled eligible, Argyle will not have to forfeit any previous victories.
The Eagles remain 7-1 overall and 4-0 in district play with two regular-season games remaining.
Hackney Was Having a Huge Junior Season
The ruling removes the centerpiece of one of the most productive offenses in 5A.
Hackney has thrown for 2,574 yards and 32 touchdowns with just two interceptions through eight games. He also has 122 rushing yards and two scores.
In his final game before the ruling, Hackney completed 23 of 25 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns in a 56-14 win over The Colony.
He has topped 300 passing yards six times this season and thrown at least three touchdowns in seven games.
Hackney already has 9,384 passing yards and 109 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career. He spent his first two seasons at Walnut Grove, helping the Wildcats win consecutive district championships.
The Class of 2028 quarterback holds scholarship offers from UTSA and Stephen F. Austin.
Residency Case Reopened During Season
The residency issue resurfaced after an anonymous complaint was submitted in September.
The Hackney family still owns its former Prosper home, which had been privately marketed before being leased for one year. The family maintained that Argyle is now its permanent residence.
Argyle officials also investigated the matter and conducted visits to the family’s Argyle home.
The committee ultimately voted 6-0 Tuesday to rule Hackney ineligible under UIL residency requirements.
Argyle Plans to Appeal
Hackney’s family and Argyle ISD are expected to appeal the decision through the UIL process.
Timing could be critical. Argyle has only two regular-season games remaining, leaving a narrow window for an appeal before the playoffs.
If Hackney remains unavailable, sophomore Cobe Wilson is expected to take over at quarterback. Wilson has completed 7 of 11 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown in limited action.
Argyle closes the regular season against Colleyville Heritage and Community.
The Eagles remain atop District 3-5A Division II, but their postseason path now looks considerably different without the quarterback who has led an offense averaging more than 53 points per game.
