Maxwell Hairston is a 5'11", 183-pound cornerback from West Bloomfield, Michigan, who played college football at the University of Kentucky. A three-star recruit in the 2021 class, Hairston transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback during his time at Kentucky. Over his college career, he appeared in 32 games and made 20 starts, recording 89 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 10 pass breakups, six interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), and three forced fumbles. In 2024, he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors despite missing five games due to a shoulder injury. Hairston was invited to the Senior Bowl, showcasing his skills to NFL scouts.
Following his standout college career, Hairston was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round (30th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts have praised his elite speed, fluid movement, and ball skills, noting his 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine—the fastest among cornerbacks that year. While he may need to refine his tackling technique and coverage consistency, Hairston's athleticism and playmaking ability make him a promising addition to the Bills' secondary.
