The college football transfer portal saw one of the biggest names of the year become available on Friday afternoon, with Alabama Crimson Tide running back Justice Haynes announcing that he is looking to leave Tuscaloosa. Haynes, a former 5-star recruit who was rated as the No. 24 overall player and No. 2 running back in the nation for the 2023 recruiting class. In 25 games with the Crimson Tide during his two seasons with the program, Haynes rushed 104 times for 616 yard and 9 touchdowns. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, there are two teams in the Big Ten who are standing out as early favorites to land Haynes out of the transfer portal.
Nakos reports that the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines are two of the top teams to watch when it comes to Haynes’ transfer portal recruitment. Ohio State is currently in the College Football Playoff with a first-round game against the Tennessee Volunteers. After this season is over, though, both Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are set to leave Columbus and head to the NFL, leaving a significant hole in the backfield for the Buckeyes. Meanwhile, Michigan is in a similar boat this offseason, looking to fill spots in the backfield after both Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards are expected to take off this year as well.
