Report: Michigan five-star freshman Andrew Babalola suffered potential season-ending injury

Michigan offensive tackle Andrew Babalola is feared to have suffered a season-ending injury, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Babalola was a five-star prospect and the No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Babalola wasn’t expected to start for Michigan this season at left tackle, and would likely sit behind Evan Link if healthy. However, he had a strong showing at camp for a freshman and would’ve undoubtedly seen snaps for the Wolverines this fall.

“Andrew Babalola — he’s gonna push for the starting left tackle spot,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said earlier this week. “That’s a day-to-day competition with Evan.”

Moore isn’t the only one who’s been impressed by Babalola. Starting left guard Giovanni El-Hadi raved about the 6-foot-6, 300-pound freshman earlier this month.

 ”He’s very athletic with his feet,” El-Hadi said. “Very strong. And for him being a freshman, he’s so smart, like he knows what a senior knows, and that’s a really good thing for a freshman… [I knew he was smart when] he was telling me he was a 4.0 [student].

“When [offensive line coach] Grant Newsome would ask questions to the freshman, he would always know the answer. “I’m like, ‘Wow.’ I was the one who would not raise my hand and I’ll be sitting in the back [as a freshman].”

Babalola had a wild journey to the top of the college football world. He didn’t begin playing football until 2023. He’d previously focused on basketball and had spent years on the AAU circuit.

After debuting his junior year, Babalola immediately gained scouts’ attention with his elite size. In short order, Babalola was one of the most sought-after high school players in the country. Alas, Michigan captured his heart and he ultimately committed to the Wolverines.

“I believe in the vision,” Babalola said. “I have a belief in the program and a belief in Coach Moore’s vision for the program. There have been some setbacks and some things that have to get fixed. But overall, I believe in the program.

“I believe in Coach Moore. I believe in Coach Newsome. I believe in their plan for my development. I believe in them getting this ship turned around and getting Michigan back to what it stands for.”

With or without Babalola, Michigan will kick off its 2025 campaign with a showdown against New Mexico at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. The game will air live on NBC.