Can five-star recruit Andrew Babalola settle a tumultuous Michigan offensive line as team enters Bryce Underwood era?

One of the biggest question marks facing the Michigan Wolverines in 2025 is their offensive line. The unit had a dreadful 2024 season and lost its two best players in left tackle Myles Hinton and left guard Josh Priebe. 

Now, speculation is rampant on who in the world will replace those players and help settle this struggling unit. 

One recruiting expert believes it will be freshman offensive tackle Andrew Babalola. Babalola is Michigan's highest-ranked offensive line recruit ever, and one of the most talented pickups the Wolverines have ever signed.  

Tom Lemming, the longtime author of the Prep Football Report Magazine, the inventor of the recruiting “stars” system and host of the Lemming Report on CBS Sports Network, pointed out Babalola's talent and ability to play right away for the Wolverines. 

"He’s got a great frame on him, and I think if any freshman is going to start on the offensive line, it’ll be him."

Which side of the line Babalola takes over at will be interesting. Left tackle is a giant question mark with Hinton's departure. Michigan moved Evan Link over to left tackle in their bowl game against Alabama after he played the whole season at right tackle, but he struggled with that move. 

They also return former four-star offensive tackle Andrew Sprague, who filled in at right tackle during their bowl game. 

With the struggles of both Link and Sprague throughout the season and bowl game, I could make a case for Babalola to start at either side. However, I have to believe the Wolverines will likely stick him at left tackle to serve as Bryce Underwood's blindside protector. 

This would leave Link and Sprague battling out for the right tackle spot, with the loser likely set to move inside to guard. 

Michigan's offensive line feels like a gigantic question mark for next season, with multiple spots wide open for the taking. Hopefully, Andrew Babalola can come in and settle their most important position as they transition into the Bryce Underwood era.