“What made Michigan right for me was the overall family atmosphere": 5-star OT Andrew Babalola reflects on his Michigan commitment decision

Five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola committed to Michigan's 2025 class. The standout from Blue Valley Northwest High School in Kansas chose the Wolverines over finalists in Oklahoma, Auburn, Missouri and Stanford.

The blocker expressed his decision to commit before his senior year, having maintained contact with his finalists throughout the fall. However, Michigan provided the right fit, and so he didn’t linger in the process.

“What made Michigan right for me was the overall family atmosphere,” Babalola said (via On3). “Knowing I’m going to be taken care of by a collective group of guys. Really just my future teammates. They have everything I need off the field, the academics, just knowing I’m going to be taken care of."

Babalola’s commitment comes after Michigan secured two recruits in the past week, breaking a nearly two-month dry spell in its recruiting efforts. The Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore developed a good relationship with him before he became the head coach, and it has stayed that way.

Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome has also played a big role. Newsome and Moore even attended Babalola's high school game last week.

Babalola is rated No. 1 in the state of Kansas, the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2025 class and No. 11 regardless of position in the nation per 247 Sports. He also possesses a phenomenal basketball background, which he has showcased at both the varsity level and on the AAU circuit.

Andrew Babalola hopes to shine in the Michigan offense

Andrew Babalola is Michigan's 17th recruit for the 2025 class, which ranks No. 12 in the nation. He has become the top offensive commitment in the class and the first five-star commit for the program since landing Donovan Edwards in 2020.

Michigan has witnessed a tumultuous start to the 2024 season without Jim Harbaugh, which has seen the team struggle offensively and fall out of the playoff conversation. However, Babalola remains optimistic about the program’s potential under Moore.

“Playing on the big stage of Michigan, one of the more tradition-rich schools in the country," Babalola told On3. "I can’t wait to get in with the guys and turn this thing around.”

Babalola joins fellow top recruits like safety Ivan Taylor, tight end Andrew Olesh and wide receiver Andrew Marsh, all of whom are ranked within the nation's top 100 prospects. He also becomes the third offensive lineman in this cycle, joining Avery Gach and Kaden Strayhorn.