Maxwell Hairston

Maxwell Hairston is an American football defensive back for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Early years and high school
Hairston was born West Bloomfield, Michigan where he attended West Bloomfield High School. In Hairston's senior season in high school he recorded 16 padd deflections, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Hairston would decide to commit to play college football at the University of Kentucky over other schools such as Kansas, Minnesota, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and Washington State.

College career
In Hairston's first career season in 2022 he totaled two tackles. In week one of the 2023 season, Hairston forced a fumble as he helped Kentucky beat Ball State 44–14. In week two of the 2023 season, Hairston recorded his first career interception, as he helped the Wildcats beat Eastern Kentucky 28–17. In week three of the 2023 season, Hairston lead the team with seven tackles with one going for a loss in a win over Akron. In week four, Hairston had a breakout game intercepting two passes where he returned one 29 yards for a touchdown, and the other 54 yards for his second touchdown, as he helped Kentucky beat the Vanderbilt Commodores. His two pick sixes in the game are the most in a single game in school history.