Michigan football may be five games into its 2024 season, but the recruiting front has been relatively quiet. The Wolverines haven’t secured a commitment since August 20, leaving them with 16 verbal pledges for the 2025 class.
With just a couple of months until signing day, it seems unlikely that head coach Sherrone Moore will significantly expand the class. However, there are still a few key targets remaining, and one of the top prospects on Michigan’s radar is five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola.
Babalola, a standout at Blue Valley Northwest in Overland Park, Kansas, has been a priority for Michigan. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive lineman has delayed his college decision several times but has narrowed his choices to five schools: Michigan, Auburn, Stanford, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
In a recent interview with *On3*, Babalola explained that his decision-making process is heavily influenced by his family. He’s been taking his time to ensure he makes the best choice for his future. “At this time, it is just about me and making sure I make the right decision,” Babalola said. “I am constantly talking it over with my family… they offer great support and advice when I need it.”
When discussing the most important factors in his recruitment during an appearance on the *KCSN’s Verbal Commitment* podcast, Babalola emphasized the importance of his development, both as a player and a person. “I think the top consideration is, overall, just going to be where I can see myself developing into not just the player, but the person I want to be,” he said. He’s looking for a program he trusts to help him grow into an NFL-caliber player while also shaping him off the field.
Michigan’s mix of strong academics and impressive player development has caught Babalola’s attention. The Wolverines have been dominant in the Big Ten, winning three straight titles, and they’ve produced 11 offensive linemen for the NFL Draft in the past five years. Additionally, Babalola has ties to the state—he was born in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and head coach Sherrone Moore, a Kansas native, has been building a strong relationship with him.
Babalola praised Michigan’s reputation as an “o-line factory” and highlighted the strong bond he’s formed with the coaching staff, including offensive line coach Grant Newsome. “With Michigan, my relationship with Coach Moore, with (offensive line coach Grant Newsome), it’s been great,” Babalola said, adding that the entire staff makes Michigan feel like a family.
Currently, there are no 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions regarding Babalola’s decision, but Michigan, Auburn, and Stanford are thought to be the top contenders. Recruiting analyst Allen Trieu suggested on September 24 that these three programs are in the strongest position to land Babalola, who is ranked as the No. 24 overall prospect and the No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports.
Though Babalola has postponed his decision several times, he’s confident that he will commit before the end of his senior season, with the regular-season finale set for October 25. “I am not going to drag it to signing day,” Babalola assured. “Yes, I am taking my time and not rushing things, so with me waiting this long, I will not rush it now.”
