The race for the 2025 Heisman Trophy is wide open, especially with the news that Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, the early frontrunner, will miss several weeks due to injury.
Arch Manning, the preseason favorite, has crashed and burned. His Heisman Trophy hopes, at least for the 2025 season, ended Week 1 in Columbus. That has opened the door for others. Former Michigan football recruit Dante Moore is one. Even Reuben Bain of Miami is getting attention, but another player who should be is Michigan running back Justice Haynes.
Wh Justice Haynes should be getting Heisman trophy buzz
Michigan football has had some great running backs over the years, but after his 149-yard effort against Nebraska on Saturday, the former five-star Alabama transfer became the first Wolverine to ever rush for over 100 yards in his first four games.
Haynes is leading the Big Ten with 537 rushing yards, which has him fourth among all running backs in college football. Robert Henry is UTSA is leading college football in rushing yards with 624. Ahmad Henry of Missouri is right behind him with 600.
Haynes is averaging 8,1 yards per attempt. He's also got six touchdowns. Yet, maybe the most impressive thing about him is his home-run ability. Haynes has had four runs of more than 55 yards this season, including 75-yard touchdowns against Nebraska and Oklahoma.
If that sort of thing continues, especially against teams like USC and Ohio State down the road, Haynes could become a Heisman contender. A lot would have to go right. It's hard for anyone who isn't a quarterback to win the award.
But right now, Haynes is one pace for 1,611 rushing yards. That's via a 12-game season. Michigan football would need to have a special season. But if U-M was somehow 10-1 going into the Ohio State game and Haynes had a massive game against the Buckeyes, and another in the Big Ten championship game, who knows?
It seems far-fetched. But there is a path, however narrow it might seem. Either way, Haynes has probably been the best back in college football so far this season, and if he keeps that up, he's bound to get some Heisman buzz eventually.
At least you would hope.