In some of the most positive news surrounding #Michigan football in weeks, 2025 five-star OL Andrew Babaloa committed to the Wolverines. He expanded on that recruitment with On3; we have that & more on this edition of the Recruiting Roundup:
While the mindset of the fanbase surrounding the 4-3 Michigan Wolverines has been overwhelmingly negative following the ugly loss at Illinois, there are always positives to point to when it comes to the recruiting world. And the Wolverines gained some major positive news earlier this week when 2025 five-star offensive lineman Andrew Babalola announced his commitment.
On this edition of the Recruiting Roundup, we’ll touch on that and much more.
Andrew Babalola expands on committing to Michigan
Babalola — a five-star tackle ranked fourth at his position and 21st overall in the 2025 class on the 247Sports composite — announced his commitment to Michigan on Monday night . Now, he has detailed why he chose Michigan in an interview with On3’s Chad Simmons ($).
“The reason why Michigan won out overall is I believe in coach Moore’s vision. Obviously it’s tough sledding right now, but overall I love that program,” Babalola said. “Love the coaches, the players, the recruiting class. It just came down to me believing in coach Moore and believing in Michigan. I can’t wait to be a part of the family.”
Babalola also mentioned factors outside of football played a big factor in his choice.
“It’s really the academics, the athletics and the people,” he said. “Obviously Michigan is one of the best schools in the country. I can go there and know I’m going to be taken care of off the field in the classroom. As well as the athletics, it’s one of the most tradition-rich programs in the country, I know I can come in and do something special. And then with the people, it’s been evident since coach Moore offered me last year. Great people around that program.”
Babalola, who picked Michigan over Stanford, Auburn, Oklahoma and Missouri, is the only five-star in Michigan’s 2025 class as of now.
Michigan TE commit shares thoughts as other schools try to flip him
Andrew Olesh, a four-star tight end ranked just outside the top-75 in the 2025 class on the composite , has been committed to the Wolverines since July . However, that hasn’t stopped other schools from trying to flip him.
Penn State head coach James Franklin visited Olesh’s high school (Southern Lehigh in Pennsylvania) during the Nittany Lions’ bye week. Alabama and Oregon have also continued to push for him, and Olesh is set to attend the Penn State-Ohio State game on Nov. 2.
Relationships seem to favor Michigan in this process, with tight ends coach Steve Casula having a tight bond with Olesh.
“My relationship with coach Casula, it’s off the charts,” Olesh tol 247Sports’ Brian Dohn ($) . “We talk pretty much every day. He feels like a coach I can go every day and play for. I really like him. We have a solid relationship.”
Olesh was also in Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s victory over Georgia, with the tight end saying he was “very impressed” with Alabama. The Crimson Tide just flipped a tight end from North Carolina this week, so they may be out of the running. However, Dohn also reported Oregon is trying to get him on campus for the Washington game on Nov. 30.
It appears Michigan is going to have to hold on for dear life regarding one of the best players in its class. Stay tuned for more on how these possible visits go for him.
North Carolina edge commit set to visit Michigan
Much like how other schools are trying to flip Olesh, Michigan is trying to flip edge Zavion Griffin-Haynes, a four-star rated 118th in the 2026 class that’s been committed to North Carolina since Sept. 8.
The Wolverines are hosting several players for their tough home test against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks , including Griffin-Haynes, who picked up a Michigan offer recently and has been in contact with Michigan’s coaching staff.
“Coach (Lou) Espo FaceTimed me this morning,” Griffin-Haynes told 247Sports’ Anna Adams ($) . “It was a great feeling. We been in contact for a very long time. Great guy for sure. He’s been telling me he can’t wait to grow this relationship with me and get started.
Griffin-Haynes visited Georgia earlier this month and is set to be at Ohio State on Nov. 23 for the Indiana game, then either North Carolina or Florida State on Nov. 30. Michigan getting the most out of his position and producing NFL talent at that spot is an advantage for the Wolverines.
“Michigan produced a lot in my position group. Everything (stands out about Michigan with a) great program, great coaches and they’re going to get you where you need to be.”