Bold statement first: Michigan’s 2025 breakthrough in the transfer market hinges on whether Justice Haynes returns for 2026, a decision that could shape the program’s ceiling for another year.
Michigan landed a league-changing transfer last offseason by acquiring Justice Haynes from Alabama. After serving on a committee with the Crimson Tide, Haynes became Michigan’s primary tailback for much of the 2025 season, establishing himself as one of the most impactful portal additions in the nation. He accumulated 857 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on just 121 carries, a testament to his explosive ability and versatility.
That standout performance propelled Haynes onto draft boards midseason as a potential Day 2 or early Day 3 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, a foot injury sidelined him for Michigan’s final four games, complicating but not ending his NFL outlook.
Despite the injury setback, an NFL move remains plausible. Still, the Wolverines appear intent on exploring a return for Haynes during the 2026 season. Head coach Sherrone Moore indicated that talks about a possible return are ongoing.
“That’ll be a conversation we’re still having,” Moore said about Haynes’ potential return.
In 2025, NIL considerations will likely drive these discussions. A decision to return would defer NFL earnings by another year, so Michigan would need a compelling NIL plan to attract Haynes back, especially with Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter already in the mix at running back. The NIL landscape is especially active now, as National Signing Day and the transfer window are approaching within weeks. Michigan will have to demonstrate substantial value to persuade Haynes, if he’s truly weighing the option to stay.
Bringing back a proven star like Haynes would be a major win for the program. However, preserving underclassmen’s interest is equally crucial, since other programs will chase Michigan’s talent on the transfer market. Moore emphasized the importance of discussing NIL with players and having a retention strategy in place.
“These are ongoing conversations you have to have with players in this college football landscape,” Moore said. “If you ignore them, you risk losing the entire team. Retention is a critical piece of what we must do.”
Moore also noted that success won’t hinge on money alone. Maintaining strong, traditional relationships while communicating all that Michigan has to offer remains essential to keeping players engaged and committed.
“We keep a lot of guys here because they love (Michigan),” Moore added.
The transfer portal window runs January 2–16, and players like Haynes have until roughly mid-January to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft or to decide on an NFL entry path.
