Michigan football has done a good job in the transfer portal thus far, landing a number of potential impact players, including Fresno State Quarterback Mikey Keene. Michigan still has plenty of work to do in the portal, and seems to be on the brink of landing more big time commitments.
One of the biggest fish that the Wolverines are pushing hard for is Alabama running back Justice Haynes. Haynes was an elite recruit out of high school, ranked as the #3 running back in the nation. Haynes has been good in his time at Alabama. Fans may remember Haynes rushing well against the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl a year ago, as he had 4 carries for 31 yards.
Haynes has been a very effective running back at Alabama. He just hasn't gotten enough of an opportunity. In 2024, Haynes rushed for 448 yards and 7 touchdowns on 79 carries, good for 5.7 yards per carry. Yet he only reached double digit carries once this season.
Haynes visited Michigan over the weekend, and according to ON3, Haynes is down to Michigan and South Carolina. South Carolina has done well in the transfer portal thus far and is coming off of a season in which it was a fringe playoff team with a young quarterback at the helm.
Both South Carolina and Michigan football are potent NIL programs, so NIL likely won't be the difference in this one.
What could be the difference, however, is Haynes preexisting relationship with Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford. Alford recruited Haynes hard while at Ohio State and has a strong relationship with him.
That familiarity, along with Michigan's top two running backs heading to the NFL, could be the difference in this one. Watch for any updates here, as a decision will likely come shortly. Go blue!