Alabama desperately needed a win on the recruiting trail after a brutal Sunday that saw it miss on top WR target Cam Coleman and have RB Hollywood Smothers flip his commitment to Texas. And it got in with a familiar name.
Alabama landed its second offensive line commitment in this Transfer Portal class, and the second from Michigan. Former Top 50 overall recruit in the 2025 class, Denton, Texas native Ty Haywood, committed to the Crimson Tide.
BREAKING: Michigan true freshman transfer OL Ty Haywood has Committed to Alabama, he tells @On3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 12, 2026
Haywood was one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 classhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/i5qSycPBRB
Haywood joins Kaden Strayhorn as Wolverines offensive linemen to jump ship from Ann Arbor to Tuscaloosa this offseason. Alabama had a preexisting relationship with Haywood that helped it seal the deal quickly in the portal.
Haywood actually committed to the Crimson Tide during the summer of 2024. He was part of an impressive offensive line class that included Michael Carroll and Jackson Lloyd, two guys currently projected to start in 2026.
Haywood ultimately flipped to Michigan before National Signing Day last year.
But after one season at Michigan, the former 4-star recruit circled back to the school he first loved following Michigan's tumultuous coaching change. Once he entered the portal, there was little doubt to which school would be the landing spot.
Alabama adds a big-time talent in Michigan OL Ty Haywood
Haywood played in three games during his freshman season at Michigan, ultimately taking a redshirt. He'll have four years of eligibility left. After weighing 285 pounds in high school, Haywood is up to 316 now, according to his official page on the Michigan athletics website. He added 21 pounds and figures to have the positional versatility to play tackle or kick inside to guard.
Haywood could come in and immediately push for a starting spot on a young but talented Alabama offensive line. The Crimson Tide isn't yet done with positions up front, but they've assembled quite a bit of young talent.
Adding some veterans to the mix, perhaps like LSU's DJ Chester, would be wise. Right now, it's not hard to imagine Alabama starting four second-year players up front in Carroll, Strayhorn, Lloyd, and Haywood.
All are talented players, but that lack of experience is a bit concerning. But there's no doubt that Alabama is accomplishing its goal of getting a bit lighter and more athletic with its Transfer Portal additions on the offensive line.
You can keep up with all of Alabama's activity in the portal by following this link.