In a major recruiting coup, the Michigan Wolverines have landed a commitment from Andrew Babalola, the nation’s top uncommitted offensive line prospect in the 2025 class. The four-star offensive tackle out of Overland Park, Kansas chose the Wolverines over Stanford, Auburn, Missouri and Oklahoma, instantly becoming the cornerstone of first-year head coach Sherrone Moore’s inaugural recruiting class in Ann Arbor.
At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Babalola is ranked as the No. 7 offensive tackle and the No. 51 overall prospect in the ESPN 300 for the 2025 cycle. The Blue Valley Northwest High School standout is a physically imposing and athletic presence, traits that once made him a prominent basketball player on the AAU circuit. Now, Babalola is poised to anchor Michigan’s offensive line of the future after giving his pledge to Moore and the Wolverines.
Babalola Bolsters Wolverines’ Struggling Offense
The commitment is a crucial one for a Michigan program that has struggled mightily on offense in recent years. According to a source close to the team, the Wolverines’ coaching staff views Babalola as a “franchise left tackle” who can help turn around an attack that ranked among the nation’s worst in 2024.
“Andrew has the size, feet and nasty streak to be an elite pass protector at the next level,” the source said. “Michigan sees him as a day one starter at left tackle who can really solidify that position for years to come.”
Top Offensive Commitment for 2025 Class
Babalola now stands as the Wolverines’ top offensive commitment in a 2025 class that includes eight ESPN 300 prospects:
- Four-star QB Carter Smith (No. 14 pocket passer)
- Four-star WR Andrew Marsh (No. 62 overall)
- Four-star WR Jacob Washington (No. 218 overall)
- Four-star RB Donovan Johnson (No. 233 overall)
Michigan’s class currently ranks No. 15 in ESPN’s team rankings for the 2025 cycle. Landing Babalola, the No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Kansas, is a major step towards potentially cracking the top 10 by signing day.
Wolverines Still Pursuing Top Targets
Even with Babalola in the fold, Michigan remains in pursuit of several other high-profile recruits to round out its 2025 class:
- Four-star LB Nathan Owusu-Boateng (No. 74 overall)
- Four-star DB Ivan Taylor (No. 41 overall), currently committed to Michigan but being pursued by Alabama
According to sources, flipping Taylor from the Wolverines to the Crimson Tide is a “top priority” for Nick Saban and his staff between now and the early signing period in December. Holding onto Taylor and adding Owusu-Boateng would be a major closing statement for Moore’s first full recruiting cycle.
High-Ceiling Prospect with Promising Future
While still somewhat raw and playing just his second season as a varsity starter this fall, talent evaluators believe Babalola has the physical tools to develop into an elite left tackle prospect. His substantial frame, athleticism, and rapid improvement make him one of the most promising offensive line recruits in the 2025 class.
“Andrew is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. His ceiling is as high as any offensive tackle I’ve scouted in recent years. With the right coaching and development at Michigan, he could be a multi-year starter and All-Big Ten type of player.”
– Anonymous Power 5 recruiting coordinator
For a Michigan program starved for any shred of hope after years of offensive futility, landing a cornerstone left tackle prospect like Andrew Babalola is a major step in the right direction. Now the pressure will be on Sherrone Moore and his staff to surround their prized recruit with more talent and develop him into the franchise player they envision. Whether Babalola’s commitment sparks a turnaround in Ann Arbor remains to be seen, but it unquestionably gives the Wolverines a building block for the future along the offensive line.
