Ryan Hayes from Traverse City West High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Hayes opted to join Michigan.

In 2019 as a freshman Hayes saw action in 10 games and played a total of 257 snaps for the Wolverines. He allowed just 2 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack while playing the majority of his snaps at left tackle, and the rest at tight tackle.

As a sophomore in 2020 he played in just 2 games and a total of 139 snaps. He conceded just one QB hurry, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing at left tackle.

In 2021 as a junior Hayes saw action in 14 games and totaled 928 snaps. He gave up a disappointing 19 QB hurries, 5 QB hits, and 3 sacks while playing at left tackle.

In 2022 as a senior Hayes saw action in 11 games and played a total of 706 snaps for the Wolverines. He allowed an impressive 7 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and no sacks while playing at left tackle.