Michigan is once again dipping into the transfer portal headlines, this time with a significant departure from its backfield.
Running back Justice Haynes has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, closing the book on his brief but productive stint in Ann Arbor.
Haynes announced his decision in a heartfelt social media post, thanking the University of Michigan, his coaches, teammates, and the fan base. In the statement, Haynes wrote that Michigan helped shape him “far beyond football,” adding that he will always be proud to be a “Michigan Man.” He cited Isaiah 40:31 as a guiding verse and said that after prayer, reflection, and conversations with his family, he felt it was time to move on and seek a new opportunity.
A productive one-year run in Ann Arbor
After transferring from Alabama Crimson Tide, Haynes made an immediate impact in his lone season with Michigan. During the 2025 campaign, the junior running back appeared in seven games and emerged as one of the Wolverines’ most explosive offensive weapons.
Haynes finished the season with:
- 121 rushing attempts
- 857 rushing yards
- 10 rushing touchdowns
- 7.1 yards per carry
- 13 receptions for 50 yards
In total, he accounted for 907 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing a combination of power, burst, and efficiency that made him a key part of Michigan’s offense whenever he was on the field.
A well-traveled but proven back
Haynes’ college career has spanned two powerhouse programs. As a freshman and sophomore at Alabama, he played in 25 games over two seasons, rushing for 616 yards and nine touchdowns. When combining his Alabama and Michigan production, Haynes leaves college football (to date) with 1,473 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on just 225 carries, an impressive 6.5 yards per carry average.
Despite limited total games at Michigan, his efficiency and scoring ability made him one of the more intriguing backs currently available in the portal.
What’s next for Michigan — and Haynes
For Michigan, Haynes’ departure adds another layer of intrigue to an already fluid offseason. The Wolverines will now need to reassess depth and rotation at running back as they head into the 2026 season, whether through internal development or portal additions.
For Haynes, the move likely opens the door to a larger role and more consistent workload elsewhere. Given his production, age, and versatility, he should be one of the more sought-after running backs in the portal this cycle.
One thing is clear: Justice Haynes leaves Michigan with gratitude, production, and plenty of interest waiting for him wherever he lands next.
