Justice Haynes Enters Transfer Portal: What This Means for Alabama Football
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Alabama running back Justice Haynes has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to ESPN. The sophomore standout, who was once one of the most highly-touted recruits in the nation, is now looking for a new home after a season that saw him play a key role in the Crimson Tide’s offense.
Haynes, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back from Buford, Georgia, started six games for Alabama this season. He finished as the team’s third-leading rusher, amassing 448 rushing yards on an impressive 5.7 yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns. With two more seasons of eligibility remaining, Haynes is sure to be a hot commodity for programs looking to bolster their backfield.
A Star in the Making
Coming out of high school, Haynes was a can’t-miss prospect. He was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the 2023 recruiting class and the No. 24 overall player in the ESPN 300. His freshman year at Alabama showed flashes of his potential, as he rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries in a reserve role. But it was this season where he truly began to make his mark.
One of Haynes’ most memorable moments came in Alabama’s season-opening win over Western Kentucky, where he broke free for an electrifying 85-yard touchdown run. However, despite his talent, Haynes struggled to carve out a consistent role in the offense under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. He earned double-digit carries in just one of his 12 games this season, a surprising stat for a player of his caliber.
Alabama’s Crowded Backfield
Part of the reason for Haynes’ limited opportunities was Alabama’s depth at the running back position. Quarterback Jalen Milroe led the team in rushing with 719 yards, while Jam Miller emerged as the Crimson Tide’s top running back, racking up 760 total yards and eight touchdowns. With so many mouths to feed in the backfield, it’s easy to see why Haynes might be looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
What’s Next for Alabama?
The timing of Haynes’ decision is less than ideal for Alabama, as the team is preparing to face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31. The Crimson Tide narrowly missed out on a College Football Playoff berth, finishing as the No. 11 team in the final CFP rankings. Now, they’ll have to navigate their bowl game without one of their most talented offensive weapons.
Haynes’ departure is part of a larger trend for Alabama this offseason. Since the winter transfer window opened on Monday, the Crimson Tide have already lost 11 scholarship players to the portal. While Alabama is no stranger to roster turnover, the loss of a player like Haynes is sure to sting.
What’s Next for Haynes?
As for Haynes, the future looks bright. With his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, he’s sure to attract plenty of interest from programs across the country. Whether he lands at another powerhouse program or opts for a school where he can be the featured back, Haynes has the potential to be a game-changer wherever he goes.
Key Takeaways
- Justice Haynes, Alabama’s third-leading rusher this season, has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
- Haynes rushed for 448 yards on 5.7 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns in 2024.
- Alabama has now lost 11 scholarship players to the transfer portal since the winter window opened.
- The Crimson Tide will face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.
For Alabama fans, this news is undoubtedly bittersweet. While the team has plenty of talent to fill the void left by Haynes, his departure is a reminder of just how competitive the college football landscape has become. As the transfer portal continues to reshape the sport, one thing is clear: Justice Haynes’ story is far from over.
Originally Written by: Unknown
