Second-year tackle Andrew Babalola hit the practice field last week and even dressed for a game, a massive step forward after missing all of last year with a torn ACL and enduring another setback in fall camp this season. This is exactly what Michigan football needs right now as their offensive line has been running on fumes.
Makeshift Up Front: The O-Line’s Tough Road
Look, the offensive line has been a real patchwork job for much of the season, and it has not been easy to watch. Evan Link has missed time early on, and Andrew Sprague has been sidelined since way back in Week 3. It has made things tough up front, leaving the unit with a makeshift feel that nobody wants to see. Babalola was expected to be a key contributor this year, and his absence has been felt. The guy hasn’t been in a game outside of the 2025 spring game in his Michigan career, so just getting him to practice and on the sidelines with pads on is a huge mental win for the whole squad.
Coach Whittingham Sees Flexibility Coming
Head coach Kyle Whittingham dropped the news Monday that Babalola is finally “inching closer” to getting into an actual game, and you can practically hear the relief in his voice. “We hope so. That gives us a little more flexibility,” Whittingham said, talking about the prospect of having Babalola back. He made it clear that while Babalola was available, he wasn’t quite ready to jump into the fire yet after just one week of practice. But that week? That was “big.” The plan going forward is to start integrating him into the lineup wherever it makes the most sense.
This isn’t just about one player returning, it’s about the potential for stability and depth on an offensive line that desperately needs it. Getting Babalola back means more options, more power, and more protection. We’ve been waiting for this guy to unleash his talent, and it sounds like we’re finally on the verge of seeing what he can do. It’s time to get this line solidified, and Babalola’s return is the first real sign that could happen. Get ready, because Michigan’s trenches are about to get a whole lot stronger.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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