With Jordan Marshall’s rising star power and Justice Haynes’ proven skillset, Michigan’s backfield is stacked for the 2025 campaign. Let’s take a closer look at the revamped RB room with a little help from PFF:
As the Michigan Wolverines head into the 2025 offseason, the running back position is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested battles on the roster. With the addition of Justice Haynes via the transfer portal and returning talents like Jordan Marshall and Benjamin Hall, the backfield promises both depth and intrigue.
Using Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and insights, let’s analyze how these running backs stack up and what their roles could look like this season.
Jordan Marshall
Marshall enters the 2025 season as Michigan’s most promising young back. He was limited last season due to injury, but he had a stellar 100-yard performance against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Despite his small sample size, Marshall earned an impressive 77.0 PFF grade, the third-highest among Michigan’s offensive players in 2024.
Marshall’s blend of speed, vision and toughness has drawn comparisons to a young Blake Corum. His ability to find gaps in the defense and pick up crucial yards makes him a strong contender for a significant role moving forward. Even with the arrival of Haynes, Marshall’s breakout potential and previous performance suggest he will remain a key piece of Michigan’s backfield in 2025.
Justice Haynes
Haynes joins the Wolverines after transferring from Alabama, where he showcased his talents in a crowded backfield. In his sophomore season, Haynes rushed for 448 yards on 5.7 yards per carry, scoring seven touchdowns. His 2024 PFF grade of 75.2 reflects his consistency, while his 80.0+ rushing grades both seasons underscore his ability to produce at a high level.
At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Haynes brings a physical running style that complements his quick burst through the line of scrimmage. His familiarity with elite competition and experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as Michigan seeks to maintain its dominance in the run game. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Haynes is positioned to challenge Marshall for starting carries, creating yet another dynamic one-two punch for the Wolverines.
Benjamin Hall
Hall has yet to fully live up to the potential he showed during his freshman season in 2023 when he earned a 67.5 PFF grade. In 2024, Hall saw his snap count double, but his production dipped with a 59.7 overall grade and an average of just 2.5 yards per carry on 29 attempts.
Despite these struggles, Hall remains an intriguing option in the backfield. He was Michigan’s highest-graded pass-blocker last season, earning an impressive 82.5 grade, which could secure him a situational role in passing downs. With the departures of key players like Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, Hall’s seniority and versatility make him a valuable asset, even if he’s unlikely to claim a starting spot over Marshall or Haynes.
Micah Ka’apana
Micah Ka’apana enters his sophomore season with limited collegiate experience, appearing twice in the backfield against Northwestern and briefly on kick return against Alabama. While his 59.2 PFF grade doesn’t offer much insight into his potential, Ka’apana’s versatility as a dynamic athlete makes him an interesting option.
Ka’apana’s ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game, including special teams, gives him a chance to carve out a niche role in 2025. If Michigan opts to incorporate more creative play designs, he could emerge as a gadget player capable of surprising defenses.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one position of little-to-no concern, it’s this one. Marshall’s breakout performance and his impressive PFF grade position him as a likely focal point of the offense, while Haynes’ proven track record makes him a strong contender for the lead role. Hall and Ka’apana round out the room, offering valuable depth and versatility in specific situations.
Head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey have a wealth of options at their disposal, and the backfield’s success will play a key role in Michigan’s pursuit of continued dominance in the run game. Regardless of how the carries are distributed, the Wolverines’ running back room is poised to once again be a major strength in 2025.