Michigan football’s offensive line room is once again brimming with talent, but one name in particular is quickly rising to the forefront of competition—true freshman Andrew Babalola. According to Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore, the early enrollee from Overland Park, Kansas, has not only impressed through spring practices, but is already firmly in the mix to compete for one of the most critical jobs on the field: left tackle.
“Andrew’s gonna be competing for that left tackle spot in the fall,” Moore said recently. “He’s got everything you want in a tackle—size, athleticism, work ethic. And he’s already shown he’s not afraid of the moment.”
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at over 300 pounds, Babalola was a highly regarded four-star recruit in the 2024 class. While most offensive linemen typically spend their first year developing behind seasoned veterans, Babalola appears to be ahead of the learning curve. His rapid acclimation to college football speaks volumes not only about his physical tools but also about his understanding of the game, especially in a system that demands versatility and mental sharpness.
Michigan, a program that has produced back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines in 2021 and 2022, is known for its high standards in trench play. The left tackle position, vacated by longtime starter LaDarius Henderson after last season, remains one of the most pivotal roles to fill this offseason. And while returners like Myles Hinton and Giovanni El-Hadi are expected to be in the mix, Babalola is making it clear he’s not content to sit and wait.
“He came in ready,” offensive line coach Grant Newsome noted. “Some guys need time to catch up with the speed and complexity of our system, but Andrew’s picked it up fast. He’s asking the right questions, he’s physical, and he doesn’t back down.”
What makes Babalola’s emergence even more intriguing is his blend of raw athleticism with technical refinement. During spring ball, coaches consistently praised his quick feet, powerful hand placement, and ability to recover in pass protection drills. For a player who just months ago was facing high school edge rushers, the adjustment to Big Ten-level defenders hasn’t looked daunting.
Fellow linemen have taken notice as well. Veteran guard Zak Zinter, who has lined up next to several high-level tackles during his Michigan career, said Babalola reminds him of a young Ryan Hayes, another former Wolverine left tackle who developed into an NFL Draft pick.
“He’s already got the physical tools,” Zinter said. “But it’s his mindset that stands out. He listens, he competes, and he’s not afraid to go up against the older guys.”
Still, the path to starting as a true freshman on the offensive line—especially at left tackle—is a steep one. It’s rare across college football, and even rarer at a place like Michigan, where depth and competition are part of the program’s identity. Moore, however, isn’t ruling anything out.
“We’ll see how things shake out in fall camp,” Moore said. “But we’re going to put the best five on the field. If Andrew earns it, he’ll be out there.”
Michigan’s offensive identity has long revolved around physicality in the trenches, and whoever starts at left tackle will play a key role in both protecting the quarterback and paving the way for the running game. The fact that Babalola is already positioning himself as a contender speaks not only to his talent but also to the trajectory he could be on—one that could see him become the next standout lineman in a long tradition of excellence.
For now, Babalola continues to work, train, and absorb everything he can from the veteran leaders around him. But come fall, don’t be surprised if the freshman isn’t just competing for the left tackle spot—he might just win it.
