Several draft analysts had Michigan running back Justice Haynes predicted as a top-five running back prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Haynes announced on Friday that he would return for another season of college football while also entering the transfer portal.
Justice Haynes’ Transfer to Georgia Tech Is Seen as an Ideal Match by Analyst
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for Haynes, as he proved his caliber with Michigan, but a right foot injury sidelined him for the final five games of the year. He will now look to close out his college career on a high note after committing to Georgia Tech on Wednesday.
Haynes was nearly Michigan’s leading rusher in 2025 and currently sits at No. 36 nationally with an 80.9 grade on PFSN’s CFB RB Impact Metric. He served as the Wolverines’ No. 1 running back and ran for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns, with more than 100 yards in six of his seven games. He was even gaining early Heisman Trophy buzz before the injury.
As Haynes works toward a full recovery and prepares for his next chapter at Georgia Tech, PFSN analyst Ian Cummings believes the fit with the Yellow Jackets is ideal.
“Provided that he can stay healthy, Justice Haynes can reach his ceiling at Georgia Tech,” Cummings said. “The Yellow Jackets have prioritized tough and physical play in the trenches under Brent Key, and the boons of that philosophy were clear in 2025.
“Georgia Tech’s offensive line earned a Top 25 PFSN Team OL Impact grade in the FBS, and they generated the sixth-highest yards per rush before contact figure in 2025 (1.45) per TruMedia. For Haynes, an explosive and physical one-cut back, Georgia Tech’s ability to clear initial lanes and wall off gap-scheme corridors for second-level climbs is a dream fit.”
Haynes heads to Georgia Tech after just one season at Michigan, where he led the Big Ten with 122.4 rushing yards per game and averaged 7.1 yards per carry. His standout performance came in October against Michigan State, when he rushed for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 31-20 win.
Before arriving in Ann Arbor, Haynes transferred from Alabama ahead of the 2025 season. He spent two years with the Crimson Tide, recording 616 yards and 9 touchdowns throughout 25 games in 2023 and 2024. He has totaled 1,473 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns throughout his three-year college career.
Coming out of high school, Haynes was a four-star prospect and was ranked No. 34 overall nationally and No. 3 among running backs in the 247Composite Rankings.
