Justice Haynes got his first real glimpse of Michigan in the 2024 Rose Bowl — one game, one loss, and a whole new perspective. The Alabama back watched the Wolverines control the field, and that moment left a mark. However, it wasn’t just the final chapter of Nick Saban’s iconic career — it was the spark that lit Haynes’ future. And when the transfer portal opened in December, his decision came quick. He knew what championship football looked like, and he wanted to be part of it – eyes set on Ann Arbor, heart already beating maize and blue.

But for Justice Haynes, the move wasn’t just about football — it was about faith. He felt a higher calling, and a fresh start with deeper purpose. So, the former Alabama back wasn’t just chasing yards — he was following something greater. “I’m a big faith-based person, and I feel like God was leading me in a different direction,” stated Haynes. “Forever happy and blessed for my time at Bama, but I felt like God was leading me in a different direction. But I needed a change of scenery. Needed something new.” Look, sometimes, all it takes is a bold step into the unknown — and Haynes didn’t hesitate. He didn’t just turn the page — he wrote a whole new chapter.

Haynes wasted no time buying into the Michigan way. The former Bama RB picked the Wolverines over Ole Miss and Gamecocks, but it was his bond with Sherrone Moore and RBs coach Tony Alford, who once recruited him to OSU, that made it feel right. From the moment he arrived, teammates teased his Bama ties, but Moore’s structure and style felt familiar. Most importantly, it echoed what Haynes knew under Saban: discipline, toughness, and a standard built for champions.

Haynes quickly caught on to what matters most in Ann Arbor — beat OSU, no questions asked. The rivalry isn’t just tradition — it’s a way of life. And the standard? Non-negotiable.“Whether you are the best player or the worst player on the team, you have to meet a certain standard, and it’s the Michigan standard,” he said. “If you have a problem with it or dislike it, that’s OK, then you can happily leave. There’s a certain standard that we have in Michigan. We abide by it.” Then he added, “We don’t like Ohio State. We don’t wear red.” That’s more than just talk — it’s the mindset. And Haynes? He’s bought in completely.

Why not? While plotting his next move, Justice Haynes linked up with marketing firm ESM to handle the behind-the-scenes grind. The result? A big win — he locked in an ownership stake with Loom, a fast-growing juice brand making serious noise. “ESM handled all the details behind the scenes so I can stay focused on my game and my goals,” he said. Adding, “Having a team that’s that reliable and invested makes a real difference.”

Right now, Haynes arrives in Ann Arbor with a chip on his shoulder and SEC toughness in his veins. After posting 616 yards and 9 TDs at Bama, the former 4-star is ready to bring that same fire to Michigan. The 210-pounder is no stranger to high stakes. He’s felt the heat in Tuscaloosa — now he’s chasing glory in maize and blue. But the goal stays the same: win it all, no matter the jersey.

“Just to be the best player I could, and then team-wise, win a national championship,” said Haynes, when asked about goals ahead of the 2025 season. “We pride ourselves on running the ball and stopping the run. Going into a program where there are such prestige running backs, it’s a great honor to be playing at the University of Michigan. But then I know I control the controllables, and that’s just going out there and having fun and playing the game that I love.” Translation: The mission is set — and Haynes is all in.

Justice Haynes might wear the maize and blue now, but it was the people, not the colors, that won him over. Simply put, for Haynes, it wasn’t just about where he played — it was about who believed in him first.

Justice Haynes’ opinion of Michigan’s head coach

When Justice Haynes speaks on Sherrone Moore, the admiration is unmistakable. Michigan’s head man struck a chord — bringing passion, structure, and a clear blueprint for greatness. “He reminds me of a young Coach Saban in a lot of ways,” stated Haynes. Adding, “He’s going to kick it with you. He’s going to have fun with you. But then there is also a time to be serious and a time to be disciplined. Everything is discipline-oriented around there. We train differently from anyone else in the country. We work harder than anyone in the country, and we’re all about running the ball and stopping the run. That’s what we pride ourselves on, and that’s ultimately what led to my decision. I knew they were going to value the running back position, and I knew I could thrive in the offense.”

For Justice Haynes, this wasn’t just about picking a program — it was about buying into a mentality. A mindset built on grit, legacy, and the Michigan standard. Haynes sees himself as a true all-purpose threat, and with Jordan Marshall by his side, he’s eyeing one of the most explosive backfields in CFB. But underneath the swagger is something deeper — a connection. It was Tony Alford’s steady presence that truly made Ann Arbor feel like home.

“Coach Alford is like a second father,” added Haynes. “We talk every day. We’re together every day, we’ll do dinner, we’ll laugh, we’ll have lunch. But then also, we know when to be serious on the football field. I love coach Alford. He’s really made a big impact on my life, and is going to continue to make an impact on my life. I’ll do anything for that man.” 

However, Justice Haynes has quickly clicked with Bryce Underwood — the top recruit and possible Week 1 starter. With experience on his side, Haynes sees star potential in the young QB. “Bryce is very mature beyond his years. But then, at the same time, he’s also a kid. He likes to have fun, just like us. For people who don’t know Bryce a lot, he’s a kid who likes to have fun. He’s an 18-year-old kid. I go bowling with Bryce. I hang out with Bryce all the time,” said Haynes.

Translation: Gifted, humble, and easy to vibe with — Haynes sees Bryce as the real deal. Now it’s Haynes’ turn to show what he can deliver in the maize and blue.