Michigan freshman offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, a top-10 national recruit in the 2025 class, is expected to miss the season after suffering a knee injury in camp, according to people familiar with the situation.
Andrew Babalola Knee Injury Sidelines Michigan Freshman Tackle
The Andrew Babalola Knee Injury
Babalola, who came to Ann Arbor as one of the highest-rated offensive line recruits in program history, went down in practice earlier this month. The injury, believed to be to his knee, will sideline him for the entirety of the 2025 season, per multiple team sources.
The timing makes it sting more. Babalola had impressed early. At 6′-5″ and more than 300 pounds, the frame was obvious. What wasn’t expected was how quickly he grasped protections and technique. There was a quiet belief he might see the field right away. Now that hope is gone.
Who Steps Up
The first option to replace him is redshirt sophomore Evan Link. He saw limited snaps last fall but finished the season on an upward trend. Coaches have mentioned his growth and toughness, though he lacks Babalola’s raw ceiling. Behind him, redshirt freshman Blake Frazier moves into the mix. He’s talented. He’s raw. Michigan has linemen to shuffle in, but it’s not the same. The five-star freshman who looked like a long-term answer at left tackle is gone for the year.
Why Andrew Babalola’s Knee Injury Matters for Michigan’s O-Line
Michigan has bodies, sure. But let’s be honest — what it doesn’t have anymore is the rare five-star who looked like the long-term fix at left tackle. That’s a problem Michigan can’t just gloss over. Michigan’s identity has always started in the trenches. Those Joe Moore Awards in 2021 and 2022? They weren’t just trophies; they were proof. This program has lived off line dominance. Babalola was supposed to keep that legacy going. Instead, the Wolverines are rolling with safe, steady options instead of unleashing a player with real star power. That difference won’t show up much against Indiana or Purdue. But when November hits? When it’s Ohio State, Penn State, or Oregon, there’s nowhere to hide. You either win at the line of scrimmage or you get exposed.
Quarterback Impact of Andrew Babalola’s Knee Injury
And now the focus shifts squarely to Bryce Underwood. Michigan’s prized freshman quarterback already had the world on him. His blind side just turned into a giant question mark. Yes, Michigan can scheme around it — quicker passes, rollouts, keeping tight ends in to block. That buys some time. But eventually, pressure finds you. Every hit adds up. Every rushed throw chips away at rhythm. If Michigan can’t keep Underwood clean, it won’t matter how much talent he has.
Long-Term Outlook for Babalola After Knee Injury
This doesn’t end Babalola’s career arc. Most linemen don’t dominate as true freshmen anyway. Taylor Lewan didn’t. Jalen Mayfield needed time, too. Still, this was different. Babalola looked ready. Now the road shifts: rehab, strength work, long hours in the film room. He’ll be back, and he’ll matter in 2026. But that chance to change the line right away? Gone.
How Michigan Moves Forward Without Babalola in 2025
The Wolverines are still in the race. The defense has teeth. The backfield with Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes brings balance. But the margin shrinks. Losing the most gifted freshman lineman in the room is the kind of thing that shows up against elite competition.
Bottom Line
Andrew Babalola’s first season ends before it starts. Michigan has the depth to move forward, but the loss chips away at the team’s identity in the trenches.
The Wolverines press on. For Babalola, the climb is longer, but the ceiling stays the same.
Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
