A native of Grove, Oklahoma, located in the northeast corner of the state, Hayes originally signed with Arkansas-Pine Bluff in late 2018.
But the left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2019, and instead ended up at Coffeyville Community College this spring.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Hayes made six appearances for Coffeyville, going 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA. He struck out 25 and walked 11 in 19 innings of work while opponents hit just .162 off him.
Hayes' commitment gives Nebraska 18 players in its 2020 recruiting class.
The signing also gives NU another pitcher to fill the void left by Bo Blessie, who entered the transfer portal earlier this week, a source confirmed.