What we know about Michigan football going into The Game vs Ohio State
Tony Garcia breaks down what we know about Michigan football going into The Game vs Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
Michigan football will be without star running back Justice Haynes when the Wolverines face Ohio State in Week 14 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29.
But will his backup, Jordan Marshall, be playing?
Nothing is certain, but the answer is most likely yes.
Marshall sat out the Maryland game in Week 13 to try and let his shoulder get healthy with the most important goal to be ready for the Ohio State game this weekend.
Marshall, an Ohio native, has made it abundantly clear how big of a deal this game is to him, something his teammates have seen and felt.
Two-time captain Max Bredeson, who is also playing through an injury, said he would “bet” that Marshall will be a captain during his time in Ann Arbor.
Justice Haynes injury update
As for Haynes, the Wolverines will no doubt miss his big-play ability against an Ohio State defense that has not allowed 17 points in any game this season.
Haynes has been ruled out for the season after injuring his right foot late in U-M’s 31-20 victory over rival Michigan State in East Lansing. He ran 26 times for 152 yards and two scores that day, but is not expected to take the field again in the regular season, according to coach Sherrone Moore.
“We’ll see as the doctors go,” Moore said at Schembechler Hall earlier in the week. “Done for the year, wouldn’t put him in that category … but yeah probably [done for the regular season].”
Haynes had surgery on his foot shortly after Michigan’s 21-16 victory over Purdue when he was seen riding a scooter on the sideline. Haynes has been a star for U-M in his first season in Ann Arbor, setting new career marks in carries (121), rushing yards (857), yards per carry (7.1) and touchdowns (10). In the six games he finished, he has amassed at least 100 yards rushing and a touchdown.
If Marshall’s condition worsens and neither back is able to give it a go, it’ll likely be Bryson Kuzdzal who will get the majority of the carries. Last week against Maryland, Kuzdzal ran 20 times for 100 yards and added three touchdowns on the ground.
Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him via email at abirkle@freepress.com.
