In a stunning turn of events, Alabama Crimson Tide running back Justice Haynes has announced his commitment to transfer to the University of Michigan. The 5’11”, 210-pound sophomore running back, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at Alabama, is a dynamic addition to the Wolverines’ backfield. Haynes made his decision public after a productive sophomore campaign in which he recorded 79 carries for 448 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Haynes’ move to Michigan has already sparked excitement among Wolverine fans and experts alike. The talented running back is expected to have an immediate impact on Michigan’s offense, which has gained a reputation for its powerful and versatile ground game under head coach Jim Harbaugh. His decision to join Michigan marks a significant shift in the recruiting landscape, especially considering Alabama’s rich history of producing top-tier running backs. For Haynes, this move signifies the pursuit of new opportunities and a fresh challenge in one of the nation’s most prestigious programs.

Justice Haynes first came to national attention as one of the top recruits in the 2023 class, where he chose Alabama over numerous other top schools. His commitment to the Crimson Tide was seen as a major win for Alabama’s recruiting efforts, and he lived up to expectations during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In his second year, Haynes showed flashes of his potential, emerging as a reliable backfield option in a deep Alabama running back room. Despite the competition for carries, Haynes made the most of his opportunities, displaying a blend of speed, vision, and physicality that allowed him to thrive in one of college football’s most demanding conferences.

During the 2024 season, Haynes showcased his abilities with 448 yards and 7 touchdowns. While Alabama’s offense leaned on its passing game, Haynes’ contributions on the ground were vital to the team’s success. His ability to break off long runs and find the end zone helped elevate Alabama’s offensive attack and earned him recognition as one of the rising stars in college football.

Now, with Haynes transferring to Michigan, the Wolverines are adding a highly skilled player to an already potent offensive unit. Michigan, which has seen success in recent years with running backs like Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, will benefit greatly from Haynes’ combination of speed and power. His versatility, along with his ability to excel in short-yardage situations, gives Michigan an added dimension to its offense, which could be key in its pursuit of another Big Ten title and potential College Football Playoff berth.

For Haynes, the move to Michigan presents a fresh start, one that allows him to step into a prominent role on a championship-contending team. While he will no longer be playing in the SEC, the Big Ten has emerged as one of the top conferences in college football, and Michigan is in a prime position to compete for national titles. Haynes’ commitment is a statement of intent, not just for himself, but for the entire Wolverines program as they continue their push toward national prominence. The best of Justice Haynes’ career may still be ahead of him, and his decision to transfer to Michigan could prove to be one of the most significant moves of the 2025 offseason.