Sophomore running back Justice Haynes is making waves in the college football world by transferring to the University of Michigan, the reigning 2023 national champions. Haynes, who entered the portal after a season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, continues to prioritize joining winning programs as he aims to make an impact on the Wolverines’ offense.
From Georgia High School Royalty to SEC Star
A product of Buford High School in Georgia, one of the nation’s premier prep football powerhouses, Haynes was a top-tier recruit in the class of 2023. A four-star prospect according to Rivals.com, Haynes was ranked as the No. 33 overall player, the No. 2 player in Georgia, and the No. 1 running back in the country.
At Buford, Haynes amassed an astounding 7,574 rushing yards and 95 touchdowns over his high school career, including 1,695 yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior season. His remarkable production earned him offers from powerhouse programs, with Alabama ultimately winning out over Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State.
A Productive Freshman Season at Alabama
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman campaign at Alabama. Haynes carried the ball 79 times for 448 yards and seven touchdowns, while also contributing 17 receptions for 99 yards in the passing game.
Haynes kicked off the 2024 season in spectacular fashion, rushing for a season-high 102 yards and a touchdown on just four carries against Western Kentucky. He followed that performance with an SEC-best 79 yards and a touchdown on eight carries in a dominant 34-0 victory over Missouri on October 26.
Despite his promise, Haynes found himself navigating a crowded backfield in Tuscaloosa, leading to his decision to explore other opportunities via the transfer portal.
Joining a Michigan Powerhouse
Haynes is now set to join the Michigan Wolverines, who captured the 2023 national championship and are building momentum for another title run. Known for their physical run game and dominant offensive line, Michigan provides an ideal fit for Haynes’ hard-nosed, yet explosive running style.
With the Wolverines losing key contributors to the NFL draft, Haynes has a chance to carve out a significant role in the backfield. His combination of vision, power, and agility makes him a perfect addition to Michigan’s offensive scheme.
A Legacy in the Making
Haynes, the son of former Georgia Bulldog and NFL running back Verron Haynes, has football in his DNA. Verron, best remembered for his game-winning “hobnail boot” catch against Tennessee in 2001, brings a storied legacy to Justice’s football journey. Now, Justice has the opportunity to create his own legacy at Michigan, where he hopes to add another championship ring to his collection.
Transfer Portal Buzz
Haynes’ move underscores the transformative power of the transfer portal in modern college football. As programs retool for success, players like Haynes continue to make headlines by seeking opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations.
For more updates on transfer portal activity, follow the Rivals Transfer Tracker and stay tuned to the Rivals Transfer Portal X account for breaking news.
With Haynes now in Ann Arbor, Michigan fans have every reason to be excited about their revamped backfield and the potential for more championship glory in 2025.
