2025 Michigan Football Spring Ball Preview: Running Backs

The 2025 season will look a lot different for Michigan’s ground game, as Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards head to the NFL Draft. But there are a few highly capable players still in Ann Arbor. Here’s a look at the Wolverines’ running backs room this spring:

Michigan running backs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings are on their way to the NFL Draft . That means 2025 will be the first season where Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore can solely put his fingerprints on the run game without guys recruited by previous head coach Jim Haraugh.

One of those changes already came with the hire of offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who had a lot of success at North Carolina over the past two seasons. He helped shape running back Omarion Hampton into a multi-1,000-yard rusher and a soon-to-be NFL player.

Now, Lindsey will look to do the same with Michigan’s running backs. Here’s a look at Michigan’s running backs room headed into the spring.

Jordan Marshall

If you didn’t know anything about the former Mr. Ohio Football before the ReliaQuest Bowl, you sure know who Jordan Marshall is now.

Marshall showcased his speed, shiftiness and strength against one of the top defenses on New Year’s Eve, rushing for 100 yards despite Alabama constantly loading the box. Not only was his breakaway speed evident, but he forced 12 missed tackles , something no Michigan running back had done since Blake Corum in 2022 against MSU.

“Yeah, I think he’s got a bright future,” Moore said after the game. “Like I said, he reminds me so much of Blake (Corum). The way he approaches his business, what he does off the field to take care of his body, and you obviously saw how he runs. He’s a physical runner, he can make people miss, he can run you over, and he’s got that burst. But Jordan Marshall’s gonna be a special back.”

Look for Marshall to lead the Wolverines backfield this spring, and if all goes well, against New Mexico in Week 1.

Justice Haynes

One of the most exciting new players on Michigan’s roster is Alabama transfer running back Justice Haynes. The former five-star high school recruit is hoping to play a more significant role with the Wolverines after rushing for 448 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore for the Crimson Tide.

Stuck behind running back Jam Miller, and splitting also having to account for quarterback Jalen Milroe taking rush attempts away, Haynes was never able to break out in Tuscaloosa. He will certainly have every opportunity to do so this fall in Ann Arbor.

Like Marshall, Haynes runs violently while also being a reliable receiver. He also has highlights of breaking tackles and running all over opposing defenses.

With his potential upside, Haynes was the highest-ranked running back in the transfer portal following the 2024 season according to 247Sports, and he was named the No. 2 most impactful transfer commitment of the winter portal window.

Benjamin Hall

The soon-to-be junior has been the No. 3 running back for the Wolverines the last two seasons, and he currently sits there once again. Hall has shown glimpses of potential, with his best game being a 58-yard outing against Indiana in 2023. He also earned 16 carries against Alabama in the bowl game.

However, Hall was only able to produce 28 yards on those 16 carries while Marshall proceeded to go for 100+ yards. The spring game will be a massive opportunity for Hall to put himself back in contention for a significant role next season.

Other names to know

• Micah Ka’apana: After redshirting this past year, Ka’apana could get some more playing time, whether it’s on offense or special teams.
• Jasper Parker: Hailing from Marrero, Louisiana, Parker comes to Michigan as a four-star recruit, compiling 1,612 all-purpose yards with 22 touchdowns during his senior season.
• Donovan Johnson: Johnson played at IMG Academy and was a three-star recruit in the class. While a bit underrated due to a junior season-ending injury, Johnson could become a sneaky good player in the years to come.