Haynes King biography and NFL journey

Following a standout college football career, Haynes King was not selected in the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Draft. However, after the Draft, he signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, an opportunity that positions him well for further development. Despite King's impressive college performance, many football fans are interested in his stats and question how he will progress in the NFL.

Who is Haynes King?

Born on January 9, 2001, Haynes King is an American professional football player from Longview, Texas, United States. His college football career started in 2020when he was added to the Texas A&M University team, where he played as a backup quarterback. An injury the next year has put him on the sidelines for more than a year.

Then, late in 2022, the future Panthers undrafted free agent transferred to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team. During his first season as a Yellow Jacket, King proved his resilience and skills, recording a historic performance.

After three seasons at Georgia Tech, Haynes King signed as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers following the 2026 NFL Draft. In August 2026, King participated in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, which saw the Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals clash. During the game in question, the undrafted rookie quarterback played a central role and contributed to the Panthers' win against Arizona.

Undoubtedly, his record-setting performance with the Yellow Jackets made him an intriguing prospect for the Panthers. Throughout his college football career and opportunity to compete in the NFL, Haynes King has continuously demonstrated his development and passion for the game.

Haynes King Biography at a glance

• Name: Haynes King
• Born: January 9, 2001
• Birthplace: Longview, Texas, United States
• Current residence: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
• Age: 25
• Height: 6'3 (1.90 m)
• Weight: 215 lbs (97.5 kg)
• Arms: 32"
• Hands: 9"
• Active since: 2020
• College football team: Texas A&M Aggies (2020-2022), Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2023-2025)
• Professional football team: Carolina Panthers (2026-present)

Haynes King stats and college football career

Ahead of his college football career, Haynes King was already recognized for his athletic abilities, earning the Under Armour All-American honors while attending Longview High School. As a high school senior, he recorded 70 touchdowns, of which 10 on the ground and 20 thru the air. King rushed 55 times for 506 yards during his senior campaign. Overall, his football play at high school positioned him well for further growth in the sport.

At the Texas A&M Aggies, Haynes King played for a total of three seasons between 2020 and 2022. As a freshman, he made his collegiate debut against Alabama, recording 43 rushing yards and throwing his first career touchdown during a game against South Karolina. King completed his freshman season playing in two games.

During his sophomore season with Texas in 2021, the young quarterback started the first two games. However, King suffered a season-ending leg injury on September 11, 2021, in a game against the Colorado Buffaloes. The 2022 season with Texas A&M was the strongest for King, who played in a total of six games and started five. At the end of this season, he earned the Aggie Strength and Conditioning Top Conditioned Athlete Award, Sophomore Academic honors, Offensive Attitude Award and Toughness Award.

After three seasons at Texas A&M, Haynes King Georgia Tech career started with him entering the transfer portal early in December 2022. By mid-December, he had successfully transferred to Georgia Tech. During his first season with the new college football team, King played in 13 games and started 13 games, throwing for 2,842 yards and recording 27 touchdowns and adding 737 rushing yards. His performance ultimately helped him establish himself as one of the most productive dual-threat quarterbacks. Although King sustained an injury in the 2024 season, he played in 11 games and started 11 games, throwing 2,114 yards and recording 14 touchdowns and adding 587 rushing yards.

Haynes King's strongest college football season came in 2025 when he was recognized as one of the most decorated players at Georgia Tech. Playing in 12 games and starting 12 games, the young quarterback completed 252 of 361 passes for 2,967 yards and 14 touchdowns. Moreover, King added 953 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns during his last college football season.

Throughout his college football career, the future Panthers undrafted free agent played in 46 games, starting a total of 43. He completed 802 of 1,223 passes for 9,486 yards and 65 touchdowns. In 2025, he won the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and ACC Player of the Year accolade. Undoubtedly, his college experience and ability to create plays outside the pocket helped King establish a solid foundation for his future professional football career.

Haynes King NFL opportunity

The Carolina Panthers' decision to sign King as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft granted the former Georgia Tech star player a chance to continue developing in a highly competitive environment. The Panthers' choice comes after King's solid performance during his last college football season, where he combined nearly 3,000 passing yards and close to 1,000 rushing yards.

His future growth in the NFL now depends on his ability to learn the Panthers' offensive system, consistently demonstrate accuracy and perform well under pressure. King's long-term role with the Panthers will depend not only on his play but on the franchise's needs for quarterback support.

Haynes King strengths, weaknesses and future outlook

Haynes King possesses a range of traits and skills that make him stand out on the field. His primary strengths include toughness, mobility, and adaptability that enable him to produce offense in various ways. In his college football years, King has demonstrated his capability to contribute as a passer while maintaining pressure as a dangerous rushing threat. Playing for the Texas A&M Aggies and the Yellow Jackets enabled him to gain knowledge of different coaching methods and offensive systems.

Despite that experience, the NFL is known for its competitiveness, which means that King needs to continue to refine his skills and accumulate extra knowledge and traits. It is worth noting that all decisions made on the field by him will be under pressure, which leaves no room for error.

Still, the future is bright for Haynes King, especially considering his outstanding performance during the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, where he successfully navigated complex coverage, managed pressure and ultimately led the Panthers to the 33-30 victory against the Cardinals. Combining his natural athleticism, demonstrating passing consistency and learning professional tactics will undoubtedly play a central role in Haynes King's career in the NFL.

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