Even before Andrew Babalola suffered a season-ending injury, Evan Link was expected to be the Michigan football starting left tackle.
Now, Link will be the guy and the Wolverines, desperately need him to step up. That's especially true since Babalola will be out for the remainder of the season.
The five-star freshman, who is the highest-ranked offensive line signee in program history, was making a case to start as a true freshman. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, you couldn't build a better left tackle in a factory.
Now, Babalola will need to rebuild his knee. That could put the start of the 2026 season in doubt. However, the more pressing concern is for the 2025 season and the blindside protector of Bryce Underwood.
What Andrew Babalola's injury means for Michigan football
What made Link feel like a more acceptable choice as the left tackle, was the idea that Babalola would be sitting behind him, getting some early snaps and seasoning. Then, if Link faltered, there would be another option.
Now, there isn't.
There are other players on the roster and talented ones too. Ty Haywood was a top-50 recruit last season. The five-star according to ESPN, is another that has had a solid camp. Blake Frazier, a redshirt freshman, is another that could enter the fray.
Yet, there's no doubt that the offensive line took a step back due to the injury. If Babalola was eventually good enough to be the starting left tackle, Link could have shifted inside to guard. That's off the table now, too.
As long as Link can hold his own, Michigan football will be fine. He was the left tackle in the bowl game and the offense didn't fall apart. He's improved this fall, but now, with Babalola out for the season, the pressure is on Evan Link.
He simply cannot fail.