Michigan Loses Star Running Back Justice Haynes for Remainder of Season

The No. 18-ranked Michigan Wolverines entered Week 12 facing an uphill battle for a College Football Playoff spot. With a challenging three-game stretch against Northwestern, Maryland, and the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, the Wolverines’ postseason hopes were already precarious, with odds of reaching the playoff standing at just 42% even if they won out.

A key factor in Michigan’s late-season strategy was the anticipated return of running back Justice Haynes. The junior had undergone foot surgery earlier in the season and was expected to return for the regular-season finale against Ohio State, potentially providing the offensive spark the Wolverines needed.

That plan has now been dashed. Haynes will miss the remainder of the season, forcing Michigan to reconfigure its backfield and offensive approach for the final three games. The announcement came during Fox Sports’ broadcast of Michigan vs. Northwestern, confirmed by Gus Johnson and reported via Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.

The Wolverines will now turn to sophomore tailback Jordan Marshall to fill the void left by Haynes. While Marshall has shown promise, the team faces a significant challenge trying to sustain its rushing attack against tough Big Ten defenses without their leading rusher.

1. Haynes’ Stellar Season Cut Short

Justice Haynes has been a standout performer for Michigan this season, even with games missed due to injury. In just 121 carries, he amassed 857 rushing yards, ranking third in the Big Ten despite his limited appearances. His 10 touchdowns also rank 17th nationally, highlighting his ability to contribute in high-impact situations. Haynes suffered the foot injury against Michigan State and underwent successful surgery shortly afterward. Initially, he was expected to miss only two games and then return for Michigan’s final regular-season matchup, giving fans hope for a late-season surge. Instead, Haynes will continue to sit out, traveling with a boot and scooter on the sidelines rather than participating on the field. His absence leaves a gap in both production and leadership for the Wolverines’ offense. Even with the setback, Haynes’ season performance remains a bright spot and a reminder of his talent and significance to Michigan’s offensive game plan.

2. Marshall Steps Into Lead Role

With Haynes sidelined, sophomore Jordan Marshall is set to take over as Michigan’s primary ball carrier. Marshall has already demonstrated his capability in limited opportunities, averaging 142 rushing yards and five total touchdowns over the last three games. His lone start against Purdue produced a career-best performance: 185 rushing yards and three touchdowns, providing a blueprint for what the Wolverines can expect in the absence of Haynes. Michigan will likely rely heavily on Marshall to maintain balance in the offense and sustain drives against the conference’s toughest opponents. Coaches and teammates will need to support Marshall with solid blocking schemes and smart play-calling, ensuring he can continue producing at a high level without the benefit of Haynes’ complementary presence. Marshall’s ability to rise to the occasion could prove critical as Michigan pursues a late-season push toward a playoff berth, though the margin for error is slim.

3. Playoff Hopes in Question

Michigan’s College Football Playoff aspirations now face an even steeper climb. Without Haynes, the Wolverines’ offensive versatility is diminished, and their path through Northwestern, Maryland, and Ohio State becomes significantly more challenging. The team will need contributions from other skill-position players and a dominant performance from the offensive line to maintain effectiveness in the running game. Additionally, Michigan’s defense will be called upon to create favorable field position and mitigate the impact of a less dynamic ground attack. While the loss is a setback, the Wolverines remain in contention, though winning out is no longer a guarantee of playoff qualification. Every remaining game will be a critical test of resilience, depth, and adaptability. Michigan now faces a daunting task: overcoming the absence of their top rusher while keeping College Football Playoff dreams alive against a formidable Big Ten slate.