Welcome to the 2023 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 26, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Because team rosters are updated at different times across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2022 rosters
80: Hayden Hatten, WR (Jr.) — Idaho
Hatten is the best wide receiver in the FCS and one of the best dominant outside weapons in all of college football.
His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and/or use the sideline makes Hatten a nightmare to defend on fade routes. Any ball thrown his way there’s a good chance Hatten is coming down with it.
Hatten arrived at Idaho as a three-star tight end from Scottsdale, Arizona. After appearing in 12 games with three starts in 2019, he moved to wide receiver for the 2021 spring season. Hatten thrived, catching 43 passes for 613 yards and three touchdowns in only six games. He was named to the All-Big Sky First Team and earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was expected to have another great season in the 2021 fall, but he was limited to just four games.
He came back better than ever last year. Hatten racked up 83 catches, 1,209 yards, and 16 TDs, finishing fifth in FCS receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns. Hatten’s PFF grade in 2022 was 91.8, which is the second-highest among returning FCS WRs.
Hatten received five different All-American accolades and was named on the All-Big Sky First Team.
Idaho has two 1,000-yard receivers returning in 2023 with Hatten and Jermaine Jackson. The Vandals also return their leading rusher Anthony Woods and Jerry Rice Award-winning quarterback Gevani McCoy. Idaho ranks No. 5 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25 after last year’s breakout season coupled with the returning talent.
