With Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall slated to lead the backfield for Michigan in 2025, the question remains who will receive the majority of the carries. Here’s how the Wolverines could split up the reps between the two talented running backs:
As spring practice winds down, the Michigan Wolverines ’ coaching staff continues to put together the depth chart for the upcoming season. Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall are slated to lead the backfield in 2025, but the question remains — who will receive a bulk of the carries?
Both bring unique skillsets to the table, making the Wolverines’ new-look backfield one of the most dynamic units on the team. Head coach Sherrone Moore, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and running backs coach Tony Alford will face an intriguing decision on how to divvy up the work between Haynes and Marshall.
Haynes comes to Ann Arbor by way of the transfer portal. His experience in the SEC and ability to perform at a high level against top competition should make him a formidable option for the Wolverines. Haynes racked up 616 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 104 carries in two seasons at Alabama.
New Michigan RB Justice Haynes pic.twitter.com/R9W1MUxAms
— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) December 24, 2024
Meanwhile, Marshall enters his second season in Ann Arbor with high expectations after capping off his freshman campaign with a 100-yard breakout performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Tide. Although his role was limited as a freshman, Marshall’s emergence late last year gives him plenty of momentum going into 2025.
Jordan Marshall: The next great Michigan RB #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/L5Q8mlxAUG
— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) January 26, 2025
Despite Donovan Edwards being one of the most decorated running backs in the country entering the 2024 campaign, Kalel Mullings earned starting reps just a month into the season. Mullings was the starter by the end of September and he eventually earned more snaps (382-333) and rushing attempts (185-128) than Edwards last year.
Based on the way the coaching staff handled the backfield reps last season, it’s likely they will emphasize consistency and productivity when deciding how to allocate carries this season and moving forward.
Unless there is a clear cut guy at the end of fall camp, I believe Haynes should get the nod in the regular season opener simply because he has more experience. With that said, the carries and snaps should be as evenly split as possible because both of them deserve an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Even though it’s unclear whether he will immediately take over as starting running back in his first year at Michigan, Haynes’ experience and versatility make him a key offensive weapon. During a spring practice media availability, he discussed his decision to transfer to Michigan and his relationship with Marshall.
“I fell in love with the place. I came here and this is the place I knew I wanted to be as soon as I got here,” Haynes said. “I remember when I came here and connected with Jordan Marshall. That’s like a little brother to me. He’s been great. The whole running back room, I’m very thankful and blessed the way they’ve accepted me, brought me in and been there for me.”
It appears the relationship between Haynes and Marshall has blossomed during their time together, and that should lead to success for the Wolverines’ overall rushing attack in 2025. Regardless of which running back is named the starter, Michigan’s backfield is poised to be one of the best and most productive in the Big Ten once again as Haynes and Marshall work together as a tandem.