By Apollo Lundin
The University of Michigan has always been one of the most successful programs in the country, leading all teams in wins. Since 1975, the Wolverines have missed a bowl game just four times, one of those being the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the pandemic. In 2015, Michigan hired former NFL coach Jim Harbaugh, who had a strong stint that ended with a 2023 National Championship, a sign-stealing scandal, and Harbaugh landing an NFL job.
As the Wolverines are currently 5-5 under new head coach Sherrone Moore, Andrew Babalola and the 2025 recruiting class, ranked 11th in the country and fourth in the Big Ten, look to get Michigan back to their dominant days.
Andrew Babalola
Overland Park, KS (Blue Valley Northwest)
#11 NAT, #2 OT, #1 KS
At 6’6’’ and 280 lbs., Andrew Babalola has great size for an offensive tackle. While Babalola has a thinner frame than normal for an offensive tackle, that does not hold him back and can easily add more weight. He plays wide and strong, ensuring that no defender will get to his quarterback.
Babalola shows a great understanding of run-blocking, forcing his defender to the ground or driving them back. Babalola also knows to keep his hands inside, so he should not be called for holding too often. Michigan, and most other schools, are very high on Babalola for his potential, so he may need a few seasons to develop before getting regular action on the field.
Andrew Babalola was a late bloomer in football, having played basketball for most of his life. Despite this, Babalola received an invite to the All-American Bowl.
Babalola held 40 offers but chose the Wolverines over schools like Colorado, Kansas State, and Oklahoma.
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Ivan Taylor
Winter Garden, FL (West Orange)
#41 NAT, #2 CB, #5 FL
At 6’0’’ and 174 lbs., Ivan Taylor has a nice build for a cornerback or safety that should translate to the next level. Taylor is quick, agile, aware of the ball, and an effective tackler in the open field. He is especially great in zone coverage, and good enough in man coverage that should provide versatility for the Wolverines. Taylor is projected to play safety at the next level, but he could also get snaps as a slot or nickel cornerback.
Through his four-year varsity career, which includes 30 games played, Ivan Taylor has tallied 137 tackles, 90 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, half a sack, 14 pass deflections, and eight interceptions. His stats are a great foundation for what Michigan hopes he’ll do in Ann Arbor.
Ivan Taylor, who flipped to Michigan from Notre Dame, is the son of two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor. Ivan also received an All-American Bowl invite and ran track.
Taylor held 15 offers but chose the Wolverines over schools like Notre Dame, Alabama, and Florida.
Andrew Olesh
Center Valley, PA (Southern Lehigh)
#47 NAT, #3 TE, #1 PA
At 6’4’’ and 215 lbs., Andrew Olesh has a nice build for a tight end. Olesh is quick, agile, physical, and a great route runner. Olesh has versatility to line up outside as a wide receiver but has the run-blocking power to slide back in at tight end. After the catch, Olesh is physical and will fight for extra yards. Sometimes he does not need to, as he uses his speed to beat corners deep.
Throughout his high school career, Olesh has tallied 53 catches for 972 yards with 10 touchdowns. While Babalola and Ivan Taylor are ranked higher than him, Andrew Olesh has the potential to be the best commit for the Wolverines in 2025.
Olesh ran a 4.6 40-yard dash and a 4.13 short shuttle before his senior season. Olesh also participated in the Elite 11 finals as a receiver, displaying his route running and large catch radius.
Olesh received 32 offers but chose the Wolverines over schools like Penn State, Oregon, and Auburn.
