Jimmy Rolder, Justice Haynes and Derrick Moore speak after win at MSU
Jimmy Rolder, Justice Haynes and Derrick Moore speak after Michigan’s 31-20 defeat of MSU. All three had large impacts on the victory Oct. 25, 2025.
Michigan football’s star running back from 2025, Justice Haynes, is on his way out of Ann Arbor.
Haynes announced he was entering the transfer portal on social media on Friday, Jan. 9. Haynes ran 121 times for 857 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns across seven games before he was lost for the season due to injury against Michigan State in the final game of October.
Haynes, who also caught 13 passes for 50 yards, broke his foot late against MSU which required surgery the following week. He had a boot on his foot and rode a scooter for much of the next month and could not return before the end of the season. He was on the sideline for U-M’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl loss to Texas, but did not dress.
“I want to express my gratitude to the University of Michigan,” Haynes’ post began. “This place has shaped me in ways that go far beyond football. … Representing Michigan and embracing what it means to be a Michigan Man is something I’ll always be proud of.
“After reflection, prayer and heartfelt conversations with my family, I’ve made the decision to close my chapter at the University of Michigan. I plan to return for another year of college football and enter the transfer portal.”
Haynes, who spent just one season in Ann Arbor, was a true gamebreaker. He was tied for third in the nation with four rushes of 50 yards or more, which included two touchdown runs of more than 70 yards. The only thing that seemingly could stop Haynes this year was his own injuries. He also went down in the first half of a game against USC with an injury to his midsection and missed the following week against Washington.
In the six games he was able to play at least one half, Haynes had more than 100 rushing yards and at least one touchdown. While this is a big blow to U-M’s backfield, it was somewhat expected. Jordan Marshall, who was another star for the Wolverines in Tony Alford’s room, had already made his announcement he was going to return to Ann Arbor in 2026.
On top of that, the Wolverines bring in Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the nation in the class of 2026. Also, on Thursday, Jan. 8, the Wolverines signed Taylor Tatum, the former No. 1 running back in the nation in the class of 2024, from Oklahoma.
“To the Michigan fans and the Ann Arbor community, thank you for embracing me with open arms and cheering me on,” Haynes said. “To my brothers in the locker room, I’ll forever cherish the bond we share and the memories we made on and off the field.
“Michigan will always be a special part of my story. I’m deeply thankful for everything this chapter has given me.”
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
