"We're trying to get on to him": Michigan OT signee Andrew Babalola reveals program's motives to rope in five-star Alabama commit

Five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood has been a cornerstone of Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class since his commitment in July. However, the prized recruit has yet to sign with the Crimson Tide, and speculation continues to mount about a potential flip to Michigan, which has been pursuing him heavily.

Meanwhile, Michigan has already received the signing of five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola in the 2025 class. In an interview with On3's EJ Holland, Haywood revealed that the Wolverines are trying to get Haywood.

"Yeah, I know Ty. I met him when I was visiting another school back in the spring, Texas A&M. So he's a cool dude. I haven't talked to him yet, but I know we're trying to get on to him."

Michigan’s recruiting success has been fueled by its lucrative NIL deals, and the school's late push for five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood to flip him from LSU proved that once again. Underwood claimed multiple times that his ultimate choice would be the Tigers, which developed several successful NFL QBs.

However, Michigan's whopping NIL deal ultimately managed to flip Underwood. Holland revealed in early December that Michigan is using a similar approach in its pursuit of Haywood, offering a deal that could rival Underwood’s.

"They put together packages but I think, you know, the NIL deals for a guy like Underwood or a guy like Haywood are a little bit on a different level," Holland said. "And I think that's kind of really attracted Haywood and has really made him think about delaying it."

Ty Haywood grew up as a fan of Alabama, and even his mother is an avid Crimson Tide supporter. Underwood's family also said money would not be able to change his heart, but he ultimately swayed away.

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Andrew Babalola opens up about Ty Haywood's potential in Michigan's offense

Though Michigan already had Andrew Babalola locked in, the commitment of the nation's No. 1 prospect, Bryce Underwood, gave the Wolverines (7-5) offensive line a big boost. It was a much-needed move as the school struggled terribly in the quarterback position this season.

If Ty Haywood flips to Michigan, it would give the Wolverines two five-star offensive tackles in the 2025 class. Babalola opened up about the discussion, saying:

"That'd be big," Babalola said. "That definitely would be big. And it definitely showed that, you know, we're not playing around the trenches. You know, we're trying to keep our QB jersey clean and rest for as many as we can."

Except for four-star tight end Andrew Olesh, Michigan has received the signing of all committed players in the 2025 class.