High praise of Michigan's key transfer portal addition adds excitement building around its 2025 offense
The Michigan Wolverines overhauled its offense as best it could this offseason. Adding two viable quarterbacks was part of that, but there's more to it. Sherrone Moore is building his own version of the punishing Alabama Crimson Tide teams that dominated under Nick Saban's eye for almost two decades. Grabbing Saban's former running back, Justice […]
The Michigan Wolverines overhauled its offense as best it could this offseason. Adding two viable quarterbacks was part of that, but there's more to it. Sherrone Moore is building his own version of the punishing Alabama Crimson Tide teams that dominated under Nick Saban's eye for almost two decades.
Grabbing Saban's former running back, Justice Haynes, in the transfer portal is a big part of the strategy. Haynes was solid in limited time in 2024, totaling 448 yards and seven touchdowns on 79 touches.
Mike Farrell, formerly of Rivals fame, ranked Haynes as the Big Ten's second-best transfer addition in 2025.
"Justice Haynes transfers to Michigan after spending two seasons at Alabama. He saw playing time as a true freshman with 25 carries for 168 yards. In 2024, he added 17 receptions for 99 yards as a receiving threat. Haynes will have two years of eligibility remaining."
Haynes has two more years of eligibility remaining. He carried the ball 25 times for 168 yards and two scores as a true freshman in 2023. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder is a power back who will bully defenders who square up to him.
His play style is what is especially attractive for Michigan. With Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings off to the NFL, the young backfield of Benjamin Hall and Jordan Marshall needed a boost. Haynes could be the starter right away.
Alongside 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood and behind top 5-star tackle Andrew Babalola, plus the potential addition of transfer tackle Fa'alili Fa'amoe, the Wolverines are blending young raw talent with veteran stopgap. Mikey Keene will compete to start right away after coming from Fresno State, but Underwood could usurp him over the course of the season.
Opposing Big Ten teams will be scared of a physical run game that punishes undersized or inexperienced defensive front.
Michigan has routinely bullied Ohio State in the trenches in recent years, winning four straight years with similar tactics. Haynes, Babalola, and Underwood are elite athletes who embody the strategy Michigan has mastered and won with in the season's most important game.
