Much of the talk surrounding the Michigan football program leading into the 2025 season has been centered on quarterback Bryce Underwood, and for good reason.
Underwood was the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class. Blake Corum even said that Underwood has an "aura" about him.
That's why Underwood, who is expected to win the starting quarterback job over Mikey Keene, and Jake Garcia, is getting all the headlines
But he might not be the only five-star freshman in the starting lineup for Michigan football by the time the season opener rolls around.
Another five-star could start for Michigan football based on recent comments
We have talked about Andrew Babalola before. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle is the highest-rated offensive line recruit in Michigan football history.
He picked up football later than most. So he's been viewed as a raw prospect. But it's clear he's developing even faster than some expected.
Babalola was the No. 1 overall pick during the Michigan football spring game draft. That was ahead of even Underwood. He's expected to compete with Evan Link for the starting left tackle job.
Link started at right tackle last season, as well as on the left side in the bowl game. But Babaloa is aiming for the job, and here's what Greg Crippen, the expected starting center, said about his development from this past spring, (via The Wolverine).
“ I think he’s done a great job so far. I think the biggest thing sometimes with younger guys coming in here is they don’t know the playbook as well, and it’s hard to play fast on the field and when you don’t really know what you’re doing.
“I think he’s done a great job at that, especially through spring ball and just kind of playing and being able to like learn technique and getting to that level. Because you have to do one thing before you’d do the other.”
The fact that Babalola understands the playbook that well is an encouraging sign. The veteran, Link, might have the edge early on. However, if Babalola and Link are close by the time the season opener rolls around, Babalola should at least get a chance to keep battling for the job.
Babalola's future is so bright. If it's close between him and Link, Michigan should at least give the five-star freshman a chance to sink or swim and see what happens.