ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A critical game looms for Michigan football and its season on Saturday, a showdown with 5-1 Washington that could help make or break 2025.
Can the Wolverines rebound from an ugly loss to USC? Part of that answer may reside with Justice Haynes and his availability.
Michigan’s big-play tailback was sidelined for the second half of the 31-13 loss in Los Angeles on Saturday, with head coach Sherrone Moore characterizing the mid-body injury as nothing too serious.
Moore continued with that optimism on Monday, saying Haynes was “better yesterday” and that they “feel good about” a quick return.
But by Monday evening, Moore was speaking a different tune with Haynes, calling him “questionable” to play against the Trojans.
That status appeared to carry over into the week, with offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey seemingly unsure Wednesday as to whether Haynes will be available to him. We expect Haynes’ availability to be a game-time decision, signaling that even if he does play, he’ll be playing through some pain to do so.
What’s that mean for the running back room? Here’s a rundown of where we believe things stand with the depth chart ahead of Saturday’s game (12 p.m., FOX):
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) warms up before Michigan football hosts Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4 2025.Jacob Hamilton
Quarterback
Starter: Bryce Underwood
Reserves: Jadyn Davis, Mikey Keene, Jake Garcia
Mikey Keene is healthy and off the weekly player availability reports, and he seems to have moved up the depth chart as a result. Keene was the third quarterback to travel to USC last Saturday, and could be available to play in an emergency situation. Even so, redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis remains the backup, evident by Michigan choosing to insert him in the final moments of the loss last week.
Running back
Starter: Justice Haynes OR Jordan Marshall
Reserves: Bryson Kuzdzal, Jasper Parker
With Justice Haynes sidelined for the USC game last week, Michigan lacked the explosive, big-play ability in the run game. Whether Haynes plays or not against Washington, there’s no doubt Jordan Marshall will be called on carry a heavier load. What does that mean for Michigan’s offense? Stay tuned.
Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) steps off the bus before Michigan football hosts Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4 2025.Jacob Hamilton
Tight end/ H-back
Starters: Marlin Klein, Max Bredeson
Reserves: Hogan Hansen, Zack Marshall, Jalen Hoffman
Marlin Klein’s production has fallen off since his six-catch, 93-yard opener against New Mexico, calling into question the play calling and status of Michigan’s tight-end room in the offense. OC Chip Lindsey insists the group remains an integral part of the plan, with backup Hogan Hansen also getting some run since his return from injury.
Offensive line
Starters: Evan Link (left tackle), Giovanni El-Hadi (left guard), Greg Crippen (center), Jake Guarnera (right guard), Andrew Sprague (right tackle)
Reserves: Blake Frazier (tackle), Nathan Efobi (guard), Brady Norton (guard)
Michigan’s front five didn’t fare well against USC in Giovanni El-Hadi’s return, putting pressure on the unit to protect better this Saturday against Washington. We’re not expecting any changes up front; Michigan still wants to get El-Hadi in the flow of things after a lengthy absence, but improvement is required in keeping the pocket clean.
Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Andrew Marsh (4) dodges Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Maddix Blackwell (17) as Michigan hosts Central Michigan University at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com
Wide receivers
Starters: Donaven McCulley, Andrew Marsh, Semaj Morgan
Reserves: Channing Goodwin, Jamar Browder, Kendrick Bell
Michigan’s group of receivers largely remains a three-man show, with Donaven McCulley and Semaj Morgan sharing reps with emerging freshman Andrew Marsh. Marsh has taken off like a rocket ship, catching eight of the nine passes thrown his way for 138 yards and a touchdown against USC. Dare we say that Marsh has surpassed Morgan as the No. 2 option?
Defensive line
Starters: Derrick Moore (end), Trey Pierce OR Damon Payne (tackle), Rayshaun Benny (tackle), Jaishawn Barham (end)
Reserves: Cameron Brandt (end), Tre Williams (tackle), TJ Guy (end)
Trey Pierce had to be helped off the field against USC and couldn’t put weight on his left foot, leaving his status for Saturday in doubt. His scheduled Tuesday meeting with reporters was also canceled. If he can’t go, look for Damon Payne to get the start up front. Michigan desperately needs its front to play well against UW, neutralizing the front so the linebackers and secondary can work on the back end.
Southern California running back Waymond Jordan (2) is tackled by Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)AP
Linebackers
Starters: Ernest Hausmann, Jimmy Rolder
Reserves: Cole Sullivan, Troy Bowles
Michigan continues to deploy Jaishawn Barham off the edge, making room for three and four linebackers to see reps. And that will likely be no different against UW, whose dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr. proved to be a handful against Rutgers last week. The linebackers be will critical to Michigan’s success in limiting Williams on the ground, and we expect to see them aplenty.
Secondary
Starters: Jyaire Hill (corner), TJ Metcalf (nickel), Brandyn Hillman (safety), Rod Moore (safety), Zeke Berry (corner)
Reserves: Jayden Sanders (corner), Mason Curtis (safety), Jaden Mangham (safety), Shamari Earls (corner)
Big game ahead for the Michigan secondary, who was largely to blame for the tackling whiffs against USC. The unit had been playing better with Rod Moore back there, but discipline will be the name of the game for heavy-hitters Brandyn Hillman and TJ Metcalf.
Michigan place kicker Dominic Zvada (96) celebrates his field goal against Alabama with holder Hudson Hollenbeck (90) during the first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)AP
Special teams
Starters: Dominic Zvada (field goal/XP), Beckham Sunderland (kickoffs), Hudson Hollenbeck (punt), Semaj Morgan (punt return), Joe Taylor (kick return)
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