Alabama football recently received significant news regarding the future of running back Justice Haynes, a former top-35 recruit from the class of 2023. Haynes, a sophomore, rushed for 448 yards and seven touchdowns in the 2024 season, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Despite his impressive individual performance, his decision to enter the transfer portal marks a pivotal moment for Alabama football as the team looks to rebuild under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Alabama’s 2024 season has been filled with high expectations, largely due to the return of Heisman-caliber quarterback Jalen Milroe. However, the Crimson Tide fell short of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, leaving the team with a somewhat disappointing finish. Heading into their upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on December 31, Alabama faces the possibility of becoming the first Tide team since 2007 to win fewer than ten games in a season. With this backdrop, Haynes’ departure is a blow to the team’s backfield depth, especially with the bowl game looming.
Haynes, who was the second-string running back in 2024, was behind starting running back Jam Miller and Milroe in rushing yards. One potential factor in Haynes’ decision to transfer is the distribution of carries, as Miller, despite averaging a yard less per carry, had nearly double the number of carries compared to Haynes. Haynes had a standout game against Western Kentucky, rushing for 102 yards on just four carries, including a touchdown, but was unable to secure a larger role in the offense.
The loss of Haynes could have long-term implications for Alabama’s running back depth, especially as the team looks to bounce back in future seasons. However, the Crimson Tide are not without options. The 2025 recruiting class is strong, with Alabama securing the third-ranked class, which includes 4-star running back Aklyin Dear, who is expected to bolster the backfield. Furthermore, the Tide’s continued success in recruiting, including the addition of 5-star quarterback Keelon Russell, positions them for future success, even with Haynes’ departure.
Alabama has long been known for its dominant running game, a key feature of its national championship teams under former head coach Nick Saban. With star tailbacks like Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry in the program’s storied past, Kalen DeBoer will need to maintain a strong backfield if he aims to return Alabama to its former glory in both the SEC and college football at large. The Crimson Tide’s loss of Haynes is a setback, but it is a challenge the program is well-equipped to handle, with the depth of talent in the upcoming classes and the overall prestige of Alabama football.