Andrew Babalola missed the entire 2025 season at Michigan after suffering an ACL tear at the end of fall camp, and even in a position battle in 2026, his return to the field was highly anticipated as a former five-star recruit. It seems that return, though, is delayed again due to a setback, according to Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham.
The former five-star 2025 recruit was expected to be a big part of Michigan's offensive line, even in his freshman season. The ACL tear was devastating news for a Wolverines offensive line that needed major help. Even with the depth Michigan has on the line in 2026, this is a big hit for the Wolverines.
Michigan offensive lineman Andrew Babalola, a former top-30 recruit who missed last season with injury, has had a setback, per coach Kyle Whittingham, and won't be available in near future. Evan Link, who started at guard for opener but sat last week, could return for UTEP.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 14, 2026
The timetable for Babalola's return is unknown, with Whittingham stating he won't be available in the near future for the Wolverines. In fall camp, Babalola was in a position battle with Blake Frazier at left tackle, but the injury setback gave the starting job to Frazier in the end.
Whittingham did share a position update on guard Evan Link, who started for Michigan against Western Michigan but was out against the Sooners due to injury, but could return this week vs. UTEP.
Blake Frazier is tasked with stepping up in the wake of Andrew Babalola's injury
The position battles on Michigan's offensive line were tight throughout fall camp, with the only known starters being Andrew Sprague at right tackle and Jake Guarnera at center. It was going to come down to the wire for Frazier and Babalola at left tackle, but the injury ended up making the decision for offensive line coach Jim Harding.
Frazier isn't coming into this season inexperienced at all on Michigan's offensive line. In 2025, he worked a lot in rotation, playing multiple different positions on the line. Now, in a set position for the Wolverines, Frazier is going to have to step up in the absence of Babalola.
The loss of Babalola, even for an unknown amount of time, is big, especially when it comes to depth on the line. Michigan already lost depth with the injury to Ace Hamilton, who is out for the season with a lower-leg injury.
The offensive line looks marginally better against Oklahoma than it did against Western Michigan, allowing quarterback Bryce Underwood more time to make his decisions. There is still a lot to work on, with the line allowing two sacks against Underwood and six tackles for a loss behind the line of scrimmage.
With UTEP up next, it is a great way for the offensive line to gel even further before Big Ten play hits. Hopefully the Wolverines can get the blowout win its needs before conference play.
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