‘Law and Order’: Jordan Marshall discusses Michigan Football’s newest RB duo nickname, first impressions of Justice Haynes

Thunder and Lightning. Sonic and Knuckles. Every great running back duo has an equally great nickname. And if you ask Jordan Marshall, one-half of Michigan Football’s newly-deemed “Law and Order,” he and Justice Haynes are ready for greatness:

Michigan Wolverines fans got a taste of the future in the ReliaQuest Bowl when true freshman Jordan Marshall served as the primary ball carrier. With Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings out, Marshall ran for 100 yards on 23 attempts and earned MVP honors.

Entering the 2025 season, Marshall won’t have to carry the load alone, as he’ll be joined by Alabama transfer Justice Haynes and form what could be the best backfield duo in the Big Ten.

As if the pairing itself wasn’t exciting enough, the two have already embraced a new nickname. The moniker — which gained traction on social media after Haynes’ commitment — seems to have stuck, and the duo is fully embracing it as they enter spring ball a week from now.

“So I guess they’re calling us ‘Law and Order’ now,” Marshall revealed at an NIL event on Saturday. “We had to sign a few things back home with ‘Law and Order’ on it. It’s been fun. For me to have another guy as good as me in the backfield, even to push me and not be content with just that Alabama game, is something that I need. And it’s gonna make me work even harder so that we do bring another national championship back (to Michigan).”

While Marshall is coming off a breakout performance, Haynes arrives in Ann Arbor eager for a fresh start. Despite being stuck in Alabama’s deep backfield, Haynes rushed for 448 yards and seven touchdowns on just 6.6 carries per game in 2024. Now with the Wolverines, he steps into a system that should be able to maximize his talent alongside Marshall.

“I think we could go down as one of the best duos in college football history,” Marshall said. “Just getting to see his work ethic and knowing he’s gonna push me — I’m excited to see what we can do together.”

For Marshall, having Haynes in the backfield isn’t just about splitting carries, it’s about raising his own level of play. Iron sharpens iron, and Haynes’ arrival provides Marshall the same competitive push that Michigan’s best running backs have thrived on in recent years.

“That’s the reason you come to Michigan — to compete with the best,” Marshall said. “(Haynes) saw that when he was at Alabama, and he wanted to come here because he wants to compete. That’s the mentality we both have, and that’s what’s gonna make us special.”

Sound familiar? Refer back to any of Blake Corum or Donovan Edwards’ comments on sharing the backfield over the years. That 1A/1B system has allowed for so many dynamic backs to thrive over the years — and it’s clear Marshall sees Haynes as the perfect running mate to keep that tradition going.

“Even though I had a good game against Alabama, that doesn’t mean anything,” Marshall said. “Just to have (Haynes) alongside me and to hopefully both be on the field at the same time next year and get to do some special things as teammates — that’s something I’m looking forward to.”

With two of college football’s most promising running backs now leading the charge in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s offense has the potential to be dynamic once again. Their differing styles — along with a new offensive coordinator, new quarterback and veteran offensive line — make it hard to envision anything less than success for Law and Order in 2025.