Back in July, Michigan football secured a major addition to their 2025 recruiting class when elite tight end Andrew Olesh announced his commitment to the Wolverines. Olesh, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, is regarded as one of the top 100 overall players in his class and is ranked as the No. 4 tight end nationally, according to 247 Sports. However, despite his verbal commitment, Olesh hasn’t completely shut down his recruitment process, and it seems that Alabama has emerged as a serious contender for his services.
#Alabama once again exceeds expectations for Top 50 TE flip target this past weekend, return visit is not off the table.
“It gives me something to think about with my commitment.”
🗞: https://t.co/NPpTe5wLpz (On3+)#RollTide pic.twitter.com/qVHEkdfDrD
— Joseph Hastings III (@JosephAHastings) October 3, 2024
Recently, Olesh visited Tuscaloosa to watch Alabama’s showdown against Georgia, a high-stakes game that resulted in a thrilling 41-34 victory for the Crimson Tide. The experience reportedly left a strong impression on the highly-touted tight end, and following the visit, Olesh expressed that Alabama is still a significant player in his recruitment. The Tide’s victory and atmosphere have clearly positioned them as a formidable competitor to Michigan.
Michigan’s struggles on offense this season likely aren’t helping their cause either. Through the first five weeks, the Wolverines have shown significant deficiencies, particularly in their passing game, which has been among the worst in the country. While the team’s rushing attack has steadily improved week by week, the lack of consistent aerial production has raised concerns. This offensive inconsistency could influence Olesh’s decision as he weighs his future college choice.
Ironically, one of the few bright spots in Michigan’s passing game this season has been their junior tight end, Colston Loveland. Despite missing the Week 4 game against USC due to injury, Loveland leads the Wolverines in both receptions (23) and receiving yards (228), making him a standout performer. Projected as an early first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Loveland is undoubtedly one of Michigan’s key selling points in their efforts to keep Olesh committed. His success demonstrates how tight ends can thrive in Michigan’s system, even amid broader offensive struggles.
Nevertheless, Olesh’s recruitment remains far from settled. Other major programs like Alabama and Oregon continue to actively pursue the elite tight end, and with Michigan’s offense underperforming, there’s still a very real possibility that Olesh could reconsider his initial commitment. While the Wolverines can highlight Loveland’s success as a major attraction, they will need to step up both on the field and in their recruitment strategy to ensure that Olesh stays committed to playing in Ann Arbor.
