Latest news with #JusticeHaynes
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michigan football RB Justice Haynes lands on 2025 Maxwell Award watch list
When people think of the best college football player in the country, often, that's associated with the Heisman Trophy. But that's just one group's choice, as there is another who gives a trophy to the player deemed to be the best of the best. And in the 2025 preseason, one Wolverine is someone its committee is keeping an eye on. A former five-star, running back Justice Haynes languished during his two years at Alabama, sitting behind Jase McLellan and Jam Miller -- both of whom were often second options behind quarterback Jalen Milroe. He moved to greener pastures in Ann Arbor, where he's more likely to get significant carries, especially in the Wolverines' run-heavy scheme. Michigan revealed on Monday that Haynes is on the Maxwell Award watch list in the 2025 preseason, as one of 80 players that the committee is keeping tabs on. Though there is sometimes agreement between Heisman voters and the Maxwell committee, not always. Last year, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won the award, and Washington quarterback Michael Penix the year before that. Neither were Heisman winners, but before Penix, both Bryce Young and Caleb Williams (in their Heisman seasons) did win the Maxwell Award. Even before them, there were some who won both, but it wasn't a foregone conclusion. Haynes might have some trouble in fully capturing the Maxwell committee's attention as he will be sharing the backfield with Jordan Marshall, who showed out against the Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl. But still, the run game is likely to be a focal point for the Wolverine offense, especially as there are strong indications that freshman Bryce Underwood will be getting his feet wet sooner than later. This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Wolverine RB Justice Haynes eyed for Maxwell Award in 2025
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michigan football secures 4-star WR Zion Robinson for 2026, revamping offense
Michigan football is looking to revamp the offense in a big way, having brought in No. 1 overall player in quarterback Bryce Underwood, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, wide receivers Donaven McCulley, Andrew Marsh, and Jamar Browder, and running back Justice Haynes. If all goes to plan, the Wolverines will look much different (and better) on the offensive side of the ball. But what about the future? Advertisement The maize and blue have one wide receiver committed thus far in 2026 Dallas (Tx.) Parish Episcopal three-star Jaylen Pile, but they're still making moves to fill out the rest of the class and the position group. On Wednesday, the Wolverines got a big boost, dipping again into the state of Texas, with Mansfield (Tx.) four-star wideout Zion Robinson committing to Michigan football. He announced his commitment on Instagram live. Scouting report Here's the scouting report on Robinson from 247Sports' Gabe Brooks: Tall outside target pushing 6-foot-3 with excellent multi-sport athletic context in basketball and track and field. More polished pass catchers are out there, but very few boast this combination of above-the-rim hardwood context, a state championship high jump gold medal, and corresponding high-level athleticism in pads. Frame and explosion foster contested-catch dominance. Displays sneaky run-after-catch effectiveness relative to frame and straight-line top-end gear. Shows adequate acceleration that times requires a build-up runway, but leads to breakaway long speed. Still developing hands consistency and route technique, but showed encouraging signs during junior season and Spring 2025 elite camp evaluation. A particularly high-ceiling outside receiver prospect who could become an impact player in college with long-term pro potential. At 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, the No. 71 player in the country, according to 247Sports, should give a big boost to the Wolverines' passing attack. He chose the maize and blue over Miami, Texas Tech, Stanford, and Nebraska. Junior highlights The current class and who Michigan is still targeting Michigan football is still working on 2026 Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith four-star wideout Travis Johnson, and appears to have surged in the recruitment of Miami (Fla.) Northwestern five-star Calvin Russell. Advertisement Here is what the class now looks like with Robinson in the fold, using the 247Sports Composite rankings: Newbury Park (Calif.) four-star QB Brady Smigiel (No. 83 overall, 8th QB, 12th in California) St. Louis (Mo.) DeSmet four-star DL Titan Davis (No. 101 overall, 13th DL, 2nd in Missouri) Mansfield (Tx.) four-star WR Zion Robinson (No. 132, 18th WR, 19th in Texas) Billings (Mt.) West four-star TE Matt Ludwig (No. 160 overall, 9th TE, 1st in Montana ) Chicago (Ill.) Simeon four-star EDGE McHale Blade (No. 168 overall, 21st EDGE, 4th in Illinois) Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin four-star CB Brody Jennings (No. 277 overall, 24th CB, 43rd in Florida) Cartersville (Ga.) Cass four-star IOL Bear McWhorter (No. 399 overall, 33rd IOL, 48th in Georgia) Liberty Hill (Tx.) four-star DL Alister Vallejo (No. 413 overall, 44th DL, 54th in Texas) Columbus (Ohio) St. Francis de Sales three-star RB Jonathan Brown (No. 561 overall, 34th RB, 26th in Ohio) Denver (Colo.) Mullen three-star TE Mason Bonner (No. 602, 30th TE, 5th in Colorado) Dallas (Tx.) Parish Episcopal three-star WR Jaylen Pile (No. 718 overall, 105th WR, 112th in Texas) Washington (D.C.) St. John's three-star EDGE Tariq Boney (No. 807 overall, 74th EDGE, 4th in D.C.) Hinsdale (Ill.) Central K Micah Drescher (No. 4 K, Chris Sailer Kicking) Phoenix (Ariz.) Sandra Day O'Connor five-star LS Colton Dermer (No. 6 LS) This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan lands 4-star WR Zion Robinson for 2026 class
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michigan Running Back's Groundbreaking NIL Deal Redefines College Football
Michigan Running Back's Groundbreaking NIL Deal Redefines College Football originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When Justice Haynes traded crimson for maize and blue, Michigan fans expected game-changing runs. What they didn't expect? A business move just as explosive. Advertisement Haynes, the former Alabama running back and one of the top transfers of 2025, has inked a unique NIL deal with Loom Juices, not just as a brand ambassador, but as an equity stakeholder. That's right: the Wolverines' rising star now owns part of the brand. 'This partnership exemplifies how athletes can leverage their platforms for meaningful, long-term brand engagements,' said Haynes' agent, Dan Everett. In a landscape flooded with apparel deals and one-off endorsements, Haynes' agreement stands out. According to On3's Pete Nakos, the deal positions the 5-foot-11, 205-pound back not only as a face of Loom's health-focused mission, but as a strategic partner. For Loom, which targets a younger, wellness-conscious demographic, Haynes is the ideal match. Michigan Wolverines running back Justice & Blue Review The move reflects a growing NIL trend: equity over appearance. Instead of cashing short-term checks, Haynes is playing the long game, something fans and athletes alike should take note of. Advertisement It's a bold step for the sophomore, who tallied 715 total yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons at Alabama. After entering the portal this winter, Haynes chose Michigan over South Carolina and Ole Miss, eager for a bigger stage and a larger role. He now enters a wide-open RB competition for a team hungry to rebound from a disappointing 10-3 finish in 2024. With Haynes bringing both his downhill running style and entrepreneurial mindset to Ann Arbor, it's clear: this isn't just about football anymore. This NIL deal isn't just a contract. It's a statement about athlete empowerment, brand strategy, and the evolving landscape of college sports. If Haynes breaks out in the Big Ten like many expect, Loom Juices won't just have a new face. They'll have a stake in a star. Advertisement Related: Former Kentucky Great Has Words About NIL: 'I'm Glad I Didn't Play in That Era' Related: Bill Belichick Breaks Silence on NIL Chaos This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan's Justice Haynes could soar in 2026 NFL draft with big 2025, says PFF
Michigan's Justice Haynes could soar in 2026 NFL draft with big 2025, says PFF Michigan football has lost a lot of talent in the past two years after winning the national championship following the 2023 season. With 13 players being drafted in the 2024 NFL draft and another seven in the 2025 draft, the Wolverines certainly were loaded with skillful players. The question now, however, is how much talent is there currently in Ann Arbor? The maize and blue have a lot of players returning from last year's squad, as Michigan is ranked No. 29 in returning talent according to ESPN's Bill Connelly. Even though there are many top-tier recruits who will be taking the field (about eight on both offense and defense -- and that's not even counting three-stars who have shined, like Rod Moore or TJ Guy) the Wolverines are looked as something of a good, but not great team entering 2025. However, if Michigan gets big production from one player in particular, it wouldn't just propel the Wolverines into a solid year, but could also allow him to potentially leave early. One offensive player who could make a big jump this year The maize and blue got a big transfer portal commitment from former five-star running back Justice Haynes, who started his career at Alabama. He didn't get much run in his freshman season, but saw more time in his sophomore campaign -- though he was still the third running option behind quarterback Jalen Milroe and tailback compatriot Jam Miller. In the April spring game, his first look in a Michigan uniform, Haynes shined, and is poised to either start, or split carries with second-year running back Jordan Marshall -- a former four-star out of Cincinnati who looked excellent against Haynes' former team in the ReliaQuest Bowl. PFF put together a list of 10 players who are 'wild cards' that could rise up 2026 NFL draft boards. Haynes was included as one of the 10. RB Justice Haynes, Michigan Haynes was stuck in a committee backfield at Alabama during his first two years of college football but now projects as the bellcow back after transferring to Michigan. The No. 2 running back recruit in the 2023 class was very impressive on his 106 career carries with the Crimson Tide, posting an 84.7 rushing grade while averaging 3.4 yards after contact per attempt. He's a one-cut runner who shows good vision and nice contact balance, he just needs to extend the flashes across an entire season with the Wolverines. In the spring game, Haynes had six carries for 51 yards, which included a 26-yard run where he showed great vision and speed. If it was a real game instead of an intersquad scrimmage, it could have been potentially longer, but Haynes ran out of bounds instead of fighting for extra yardage. Other candidates PFF didn't mention Haynes might be PFF's pick, but there are others who certainly could find themselves in a solid position in next year's NFL draft. Here are some of our candidates for potential high-level draftees: Seniors and graduates EDGE Derrick Moore EDGE TJ Guy DT Rayshaun Benny DT Tré Williams DT Damon Payne LB Ernest Hausmann LB Jaishawn Barham S Rod Moore LG Giovanni El-Hadi WR Donaven McCulley TE Marlin Klein Juniors S Brandyn Hillman CB Jyaire Hill Michigan doesn't have a lot of high-level upperclassman talent on offense, but a lot of younger talent, like running back Jordan Marshall, quarterback Bryce Underwood, right tackle Andrew Sprague, and left tackle Andrew Babalola. The Wolverines kick off the 2025 season on August 30 against New Mexico at The Big House.
USA Today
29-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Justice Haynes believes Michigan football running back room could be best in the country
Justice Haynes believes Michigan football running back room could be best in the country ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Wolverines quietly went after players they wanted in the transfer portal this offseason, and despite not getting a ton of national attention, they did make at least one huge splash. That splash came in getting former Alabama running back Justice Haynes, a former five-star recruit, that just about no one expected to enter the portal until he was suddenly departing Tuscaloosa. Though much of the offseason hype has surrounded quarterback Bryce Underwood, Haynes enters as a seasoned vet, and he's certainly brimming with confidence. "I'm going to do it all. I'm going to do whatever they need me to do," Haynes said. "I'm going to work hard. I'm going to do what coach needs me to do and just go out there and ball." Haynes comes in and pairs with sophomore Jordan Marshall who showed out against Haynes' former team in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The duo are similar, but of course, also do things differently. When it comes to what each can and can't do, Haynes is confident in the room's ability to maximize each other's potential -- on the practice field as well as when called upon in games. But it's not just the duo -- it's also the others in the room who comprise the running back attack. Ben Hall got a lot of snaps in the Alabama game, Micah Ka'apana has been waiting his turn. The Wolverines have an early enrollee on campus in former IMG Academy standout Donovan Johnson, and they'll be bringing in Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw tailback Jasper Parker this summer. Haynes loves what the maize and blue have in his position group and thinks this group could comprise the best in the nation. "I think they balance each other really well," Haynes said. "I feel like every running back has a uniqueness about them and a different sauce that they bring. But as a whole running back room, I feel like we have a great room. We say it every day, our expectation is to be the best in the country. And we ain't striving for nothing less. We're going to be the best in the country." Fans will get an opportunity to see Haynes and company in action on April 19 in the annual spring game held at The Big House.
