Justice Haynes, Michigan’s powerful junior running back, is turning heads in NFL Draft circles as the 2026 draft approaches. Listed through summer scouting as a projected third or fourth round pick, Haynes is now making a real case every week to be one of the top three running backs in this year’s class. The Wolverines are riding a 4-1 record thanks in considerable measure to Haynes’ consistent dominance carrying the ball.
Standing 5’11 and weighing 210 pounds, Haynes arrived in Ann Arbor after two seasons at Alabama, where he flashed his talent but never quite owned the backfield. He posted 448 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last year for the Crimson Tide, adding 99 yards on 17 catches as a sophomore in 2024. Even as a freshman, Haynes showed burst with 168 yards and two touchdowns in limited touches.
Since his transfer, all Haynes has done is deliver for Michigan. Through five games in 2025, Haynes has racked up 654 rushing yards on just 85 carries, averaging a phenomenal 7.7 yards per attempt. Most impressively, he has scored eight rushing touchdowns and topped 100 yards in every single game, making him one of only a handful of backs in Wolverines history with such a strong start. In week one against New Mexico, Haynes exploded for 159 yards and three touchdowns, announcing himself as the unquestioned bell-cow for Michigan and breaking U-M debut rushing records.
The steady drumbeat has only gotten louder. Haynes followed up his debut with 125 yards and a score on the road at Oklahoma. He churned out 104 yards and another touchdown against Central Michigan. Against Nebraska’s tough defense, he rumbled for 149 yards and a touchdown, including a breakaway run of 75 yards. Last week versus Wisconsin, Haynes fought for 117 yards and two touchdowns, pushing his total to eight on the year and vaulting into fourth nationally in both rushing yards and rushing scores.
Draft pundits are starting to take notice. Even with a decent running back class looming in 2026, Haynes is building real Heisman buzz, and this is a testament to his relentless consistency and big-play ability. If he continues on this pace, do not be surprised when his draft stock climbs higher and his name appears among the very best backs in next spring’s NFL Draft.
