"The SEC is dead": Fans react to five-star Alabama OT commit Ty Haywood's official visit to Michigan

Five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood has been committed to Alabama since July, but opted not to sign with the Crimson Tide during the Early Signing Period on Dec. 4. The decision raised eyebrows, as Haywood appears to be heavily leaning toward Michigan.

Reports from On3 indicate Haywood is set to take an official visit to Michigan on Jan. 17-18.

On3's EJ Holland commented on Dec. 4 that Haywood's decision to delay signing with Alabama suggests he is not fully sold on the program and is seriously considering Michigan’s pitch. Holland has even predicted a flip in favor of the Wolverines.

With the visit set for Michigan, fans flocked to X to share their reactions.

"The sec losing players to Michigan.. the sec is dead," a fan said.

"Is Alabama-Michigan becoming what Alabama-Ohio State used to be?" one fan said.

"Why do we get so excited about a former Bama player? They aren't as good as they used to be and most likely guys leaving weren't good enough to stay," another fan said.

For Alabama, losing Haywood would be another blow in a challenging recruiting cycle marked by the decommitments of 15 players, many of which followed Nick Saban’s departure.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines already have one five-star offensive tackle in the 2025 class, Andrew Babalola, who said that getting Haywood would show that Michigan "is not playing around in the trenches."

"WE NEED HIM BRO LOCK IN COACH MOORE PLEASE GET HIM," one fan said.

"Need this like I need air," another fan said.

"Need this guy and Zahir Mathis. Make it happen Michigan," one fan said.

Ty Haywood is the No. 5 offensive tackle in the 2025 class. If he chooses the Wolverines, he would be able to pair up with the nation's No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, Bryce Underwood, who also flipped from LSU to the Wolverines.

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Florida State is also in the mix for Ty Haywood

Ty Haywood chose Alabama over Florida State in July but the Seminoles will get an opportunity to flip Ty Haywood from Alabama by visiting on Tuesday, according to On3’s Chad Simmons.

On3 gives Florida State less than a 1% chance of securing Haywood's commitment and given Michigan's presence in his recruitment with a potential NIL deal, acquiring him would be a tough task for the Seminoles.

However, Florida State’s pursuit comes amid a challenging season, with the program ending the season with a disappointing 2-10. Still, Haywood’s decision to entertain their efforts indicates he sees potential in the Seminoles’ future. If Mike Norvell's program succeeds in flipping him, Haywood would become their highest-rated commit in the 2025 class.

The Seminoles’ 2025 recruiting class currently ranks No. 20 nationally and includes two offensive linemen: tackle Mario Nash Jr. and interior lineman Sean Poret. The class has 20 committed players and also added 16 players in the transfer portal.