As Michigan gears up for its Cheez-It Citrus Bowl showdown with Texas on Dec. 31, it’s becoming increasingly clear the Wolverines will be without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons - running back Justice Haynes.
Haynes, the electric Alabama transfer who turned heads with his explosive play earlier this season, was not present as Michigan began bowl practices in Winter Garden, Florida. While a team spokesperson indicated he’s expected to join the squad later, there’s a strong sense that he won’t be suiting up in Orlando. Officially, he hasn’t been ruled out, but all signs suggest Michigan will be moving forward without him in the backfield.
It’s a tough blow for a Wolverines offense that saw flashes of brilliance from Haynes before he went down with a foot injury. His breakout performance - 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State - was a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when healthy. But after that game, he never returned to the field, and with the NFL Draft on the horizon, the risk of aggravating that injury in a bowl game that won't impact Michigan’s championship hopes likely outweighs any benefit.
Haynes is draft-eligible after three years in college, and given the recovery from foot surgery, this feels like a business decision as much as a medical one. It’s hard to fault a player for protecting his future, especially when he’s already proven plenty on the field.
But Haynes isn’t the only key absence for the Wolverines. Linebacker Ernest Hausmann, one of the team’s three captains, is also not with the team as he continues to deal with a personal matter. Michigan hasn’t ruled him out entirely, but like Haynes, his status remains doubtful.
And that’s just the beginning of the personnel shuffle. Michigan is already bracing to be without edge rushers Jaishawn Barham and Derrick Moore, both of whom have opted out to prepare for the NFL.
Offensive lineman Gio El-Hadi is expected to follow suit. Notably, both Moore and El-Hadi are also team captains, meaning the Wolverines could be down three of their leaders when they take the field against Texas.
So, what does this all mean for Michigan heading into the Citrus Bowl? For starters, this will be a test of the program’s depth and development. With several high-impact players likely out, the spotlight shifts to the next wave - younger guys and backups who now have a chance to make a statement against a top-tier opponent.
It also presents a unique challenge for the coaching staff. Game-planning without multiple captains and NFL-bound starters isn’t ideal, but it’s the reality of modern college football. Bowl games, especially those outside the playoff, often double as auditions - for players looking to rise up the depth chart, and for coaches evaluating their roster heading into the offseason.
The Wolverines still have plenty of talent, and the culture in Ann Arbor has been built to withstand these kinds of late-season shakeups. But make no mistake: this will be a different-looking Michigan team than the one that powered through the regular season. And with Texas on the other side, they’ll need every bit of that next-man-up mentality if they want to finish the year on a high note.