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<\/p>\nHaywood, a 6-foot-5, 316-pound mauler from Denton, Texas (Billy Ryan High School), was rated as high as a five-star by ESPN (No. 16 overall, top-3 OT) and a consensus four-star\/top-40 prospect across services. He initially committed to Kalen DeBoer and Alabama in July 2024, but decommitted in January 2025 amid interest from programs like Michigan, Florida State, and others, ultimately signing with the Wolverines.<\/p>\n
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As a true freshman in Ann Arbor during the 2025 season, Haywood appeared in three games (Central Michigan, Maryland, and Texas), logging just 15 snaps on the offensive line. Limited playing time, combined with Michigan\u2019s returning depth at tackle and coaching changes, prompted him to enter the portal on January 8, 2026\u2014with four years of eligibility remaining. Alabama, reeling from massive OL departures (including starters like Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford heading to the NFL), quickly made him a priority target.<\/p>\n
This commitment is a massive boost for an Alabama offensive line in desperate need of rebuilding after a challenging 2025 campaign. Haywood joins fellow Michigan freshman transfer Kaden Strayhorn (who committed earlier in January) to provide immediate high-upside depth and long-term potential at tackle. His elite length, athleticism, and run-blocking prowess could see him compete for snaps as early as 2026, sliding into battles alongside prospects like Jackson Lloyd.<\/p>\n
The transfer portal continues to deliver for the Tide in a chaotic offseason\u2014adding pieces like Haywood highlights DeBoer\u2019s aggressive approach to reloading the trenches. With more portal time left and recruiting momentum building, Alabama is stacking talent to chase redemption and another SEC title run.<\/p>\n
Roll Tide just got a whole lot stronger up front! This is the kind of portal win that changes trajectories. Stay tuned\u2014more moves are coming. \ud83d\udc18\ud83c\udfc8<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"