USF Guard Devin Haid, 26, Defies Odds as One of Oldest Active Players in College Basketball

Haid's unbelievable grit and determination led him from stocking shelves at Walmart to becoming a key contributor for the USF Bulls

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:55pm

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At 26 years old, USF guard Devin Haid is one of the oldest active players in college basketball. After not getting a scholarship out of high school, Haid spent three years working at Walmart before finally getting his chance to play JUCO ball and work his way up to the Division I level at USF. Despite his late start, Haid's tireless work ethic and leadership have earned him the respect of his teammates, who affectionately call him "Unc."

Why it matters

Haid's inspiring journey from retail worker to Division I basketball player at an age when most of his peers have already graduated college highlights the power of perseverance and the opportunities that can arise when someone refuses to give up on their dreams. His story resonates with anyone who has faced setbacks in pursuing their passions.

The details

After high school, Haid did not receive a basketball scholarship and instead spent three years working at Walmart, all the while dreaming of getting back into competitive basketball. In 2021, he finally got his chance, playing JUCO ball at Cuyahoga Community College before transferring to the Division II level at Notre Dame College and then the Division I level at Central Connecticut State. Haid's tireless work ethic and determination eventually landed him at USF, where he has become a key contributor for the Bulls as a 26-year-old senior.

  • Haid started working at Walmart in 2018 after not getting a basketball scholarship out of high school.
  • In 2021, Haid got his chance to play JUCO basketball at Cuyahoga Community College.
  • Haid then played at the Division II level at Notre Dame College before transferring to the Division I level at Central Connecticut State.
  • Haid is currently a 26-year-old senior playing for the USF Bulls.

The players

Devin Haid

A 26-year-old senior guard for the USF Bulls, Haid took an unconventional path to Division I basketball after not receiving a scholarship out of high school and spending three years working at Walmart.

Bryan Hodgson

The head basketball coach for the USF Bulls, Hodgson has praised Haid's "unbelievable grit" and the leadership qualities he displays every day.

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What they’re saying

“Dev's got unbelievable grit. He beat down doors to get here.”

— Bryan Hodgson, USF Head Basketball Coach (fox13news.com)

“There was one point in my life where I didn't think I was going to go back and play college basketball. It was super tough going through that time.”

— Devin Haid (fox13news.com)

What’s next

Haid and the USF Bulls will play their next game on Wednesday night against Tulane.

The takeaway

Devin Haid's inspiring journey from Walmart employee to Division I basketball player at age 26 is a testament to the power of perseverance and the opportunities that can arise when someone refuses to give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.