Michigan pushing for a five-star offensive tackle, several blue-chip recruits and a major flip

The defending National Champs have 13 commits and are closing in on a few more as Sherrone Moore and the Michigan coaching staff remain in great position with several top recruiting targets.

In fact they lead for quite a few of them.

On3 brings you the latest.

Wolverines giving five-star a lot to think about

Coming into the official visits Stanford was the perceived favorite for Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest offensive tackle Andrew Babalola , with the blue-chipper keeping a keen eye on Auburn, Michigan, Missouri and Oklahoma as well.

The return visit to Ann Arbor in June and continued dialogue since has made things very interesting when tracking the happenings with the 6-foot-6, 295-pound Babalola. I think Michigan is in the top two here.

“What excites me about the program is the sustained success of the place, and the vision for the future,” Babalola has told On3. “They have great development all-around.”

Michigan has been full-court press on Babalola as they aim to show him he can play football at the highest level without sacrificing any academic ambition donning a winged helmet.

Babalola feels like he fits in with the Wolverine players.

“I’d say just the overall environment of the school, and how well their guys are able to balance school and football,” he has said.

One college coach has told On3 that Babalola has as much upside as any prospect in the 2025 class. He could be a franchise pickup for whichever school he chooses.

That’s a decision we are hearing could come sooner rather than later.

The On3 Industry tabs Babalola as the nation’s No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 21 prospect overall.

Michigan continuing to work on a big flip

Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange safety and long-time Notre Dame commit Ivan Taylor has been a verbal to the Irish since December but has kept the door open to Alabama and Michigan.

The Wolverines have had Taylor on campus twice this year including the official in June. They look like the biggest threat to flip Taylor from ND.

From a Michigan perspective, I like the way that one is currently trending.

The nearly 6-foot-1, 180-pound Taylor ranks as the nation’s No. 7 safety and No. 59 prospect overall. His father Ike played 12 years for the Pittsburgh Steelers and helped win two Super Bowls.

Feeling good on a couple On3 RPMs

Still love my prediction in favor of Michigan for Fulshear (Texas) Katy Jordan On300 receiver Andrew Marsh . He has been to Ann Arbor over five times including his official in June. He will return in July for the BBQ at the Big House ahead of an August commitment date. The On3 Industry ranks Marsh as the nation’s No. 10 receiver and No. 61 prospect overall.

Ahead of his July 8 commitment date, Michigan looks like the one to beat over Alabama and Penn State for Center Valley (Pa.) Southern Lehigh On300 tight end Andrew Olesh . The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Olesh has unique quickness for the position and with the way the Wolverines feature the position, he would be one of the most intriguing pickups by any Big Ten program if he does indeed go the Maize and Blue’s way. The On3 Industry tabs Olesh as the nation’s No. 5 tight end and No. 115 prospect overall.

New On3 RPM

With a decision date on the horizon for Destrehan (La.) High receiver Phillip Wright III , I like Michigan’s chances heading into July 13.

My On3 RPM now reflects that.

Georgia and LSU round out the final three for Wright who has sub 10.5 speed in the 100m dash with a 4.3 GPA to go along with it.

Michigan receivers coach Ron Bellamy is from Louisiana and in addition to that connection, Wright has pointed to the “family-oriented” ways of the Wolverines program and “how they don’t chase stars.”

Instead Michigan makes stars and if Wright chooses the Wolverines as expected he would be one of the fastest players set to play in the Big Ten in the 2025 cycle.

News and Notes

Michigan is still battling for Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman On300 receiver Derek Meadows . Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Notre Dame are the others in the mix. He ranks as the No. 38 overall prospect per the On3 Industry.

If Bellville (Texas) High On300 defensive lineman DJ Sanders leaves the Lone Star State, Michigan would be the destination. It’s a bit of an uphill climb battling the Aggies and Longhorns but the Big Ten powerhouse his hanging in there. Sanders is the country’s No. 85 overall prospect.

Michigan is in the top two or three for IMG Academy On300 linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng with Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC the other programs that also received summer official visits. He is the No. 74 overall prospect in the country.

The Wolverines will continue battling for four-star offensive tackle Alai Kalaniuvalu . The Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman product ranks No. 229 nationally.

If Michigan flips Taylor, they’ll be done at safety in the cycle.

The Wolverines sit at No. 17 in the On3 Industry Recruiting Rankings . With the star power still in play they’ll make a run at a Top 10 haul.

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