5-star visit is a huge opportunity for Michigan football

Michigan football hasn’t signed a five-star recruit since Will Johnson in the 2022 recruiting class and it’s about time for the Wolverines to end that drought.

There are a few chances on the board in the 2025 class for Michigan football, which is the first for Sherrone Moore as head coach. However, one of the best opportunities for U-M is with five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, the No. 26 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.

Like Sherrone Moore, Babalola is from Kansas. He’s the top-ranked recruit in the state and is listed at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds. Michigan’s history of offensive line development should be a selling point. Moore being from Kanas could also be a factor. It’s a state the Wolverines are putting more emphasis on.

5-star visit is key for Michigan football recruiting

Babalola is one of the reasons why. He will visit on Thursday on an unofficial visit and it will be an important trip according to EJ Holland of The Wolverine:

“It’s just really hard to break down the top list for Babalola and it seems like he’s really open,” Holland said. “I think this recruitment could go in a lot of different directions. But for Moore to be from Kansas, I think that gives (Michigan) an in, (as well as) some other ties. Grant Newsome does a fantastic job of recruiting offensive linemen and building personal connections. So, I think the chance is there with Babalola. A strong impression this week could really move the needle, and put Michigan really high on his mind and guarantee a return for an official visit.”

It will be one of the first tests for Grant Newsome on the recruiting trail as offensive line coach. Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Nebraska are among the favorites according to the On3 prediction machine. Oklahoma does have an official visit locked in, while K-State has had him on campus four times.

Yet, for a five-star prospect, things are very wide open and Michigan football could help improve its standing with a positive visit this week, as well as an official visit this summer.