Justice Haynes was a massive recruiting win for Nick Saban in the 2023 cycle. Alabama beat out Georgia for the 5-star RB, who Tide fans were convinced would be the next great RB to come through Tuscaloosa. Saban retired after Haynes' freshman season, but he stuck it out in 2024 with Kalen DeBoer and the new staff. Haynes was Alabama's third-leading rusher last season, racking up 448 yards on just 79 carries with a team-leading 5.7 yards per attempt.
Haynes rarely displayed the vision or breakaway speed that made him such a coveted high school prospect, and most Alabama fans didn't bat an eye when he decided to enter the Transfer Portal last winter. It was not unexpected.
But while plenty of other Alabama players have had instant regrets, finding the grass wasn't greener in a new location, Haynes has found instant success at Michigan. That only serves to further exacerbate Alabama's struggles running the football.
Haynes has gone over 100 rushing yards in all four of Michigan's games. Alabama has yet to have a 100-yard rusher this season, and in two of the Tide's first three games, they've failed to reach 100 rushing yards as a team.
Haynes has rushed 537 yards and six touchdowns while averaging over eight yards per carry. Haynes has more rushing yards by himself - both on the season and a per-game basis - than Alabama does.
Alabama has one carry that has gone 50+ yards; it was a garbage-time 56-yard touchdown run by freshman AK Dear. Haynes now has four carries this season that have gone for 50+ yards, including two 75-yard touchdown scampers.
The Wolverines have been feeding Haynes, something that Alabama never did. He has 66 carries already this season, which is just 13 shy of his total from a season ago. He led Michigan to a 30-27 win over Nebraska on Saturday with 149 yards on 17 carries.
The grass has been greener for Justice Haynes since he left Alabama
Alabama hasn't had a difference-maker at RB since Jahmyr Gibbs. They're hopeful that Jam Miller can be that guy once he returns from injury. It's clear that Haynes has been that guy for Michigan, and he's found a perfect home in Ann Arbor after seeing his immense talent wasted in Tuscaloosa.
It brings me no joy to say that. But it's the truth as I see it. Haynes made the right decision to leave. He found an offense better suited to his skills, and he's taken full advantage. He's emerged as one of the best running backs in the country, and is putting himself squarely back on NFL radars.
While Haynes is thriving, Alabama is struggling. The Tide's ground game has been inefficient and mostly ineffective. Alabama ranks 121st in the country in rushing success rate. There are only 136 FBS programs.
Under DeBoer, Alabama is a pass-first team. That's only become more so now with Ryan Grubb calling plays and a more accurate QB in Ty Simpson taking over. Simpson has been excellent for Alabama the last couple of games, but having a dynamic ground game would make this offense even more difficult to deal with.
Alabama fans may have taken Haynes for granted. So, too, did the coaching staff. That mistake has greatly benefited Michigan and left Tide fans wondering what if.