Recruiting Roundup: Five-star OL updates decision timeline, could commit soon

Fall camp is in full swing and Michigan kicks off its season against Fresno State in less than three weeks. Pads are on and helmets are buckled, but the world of recruiting never stops.

Fresh off a weekend commitment from 2025 four-star cornerback Jayden Sanders, the Wolverines look to stay hot on the trail with a number of 2025 and 2026 prospects with upcoming decisions. Plus, the women’s basketball team added a commitment from a player with interesting family ties to the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.

Babalola updates commitment timeline

There’s an update to the timeline for a decision for 2025 five-star tackle Andrew Babalola out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Babalola, the 27th ranked recruit in the class per the 247Sports composite, was originally expected to make a commitment before his high school classes start this week. Instead the 6-foot-8, 280-pounder will take a few more weeks to sort out his college decision. Allen Trieu of 247Sports ($) said that Babalola is now expected to make an announcement before his Blue Valley Northwest Huskies kick off their season on Sept. 6.

Reports indicate this is still an extremely tight battle between Michigan, Stanford and Auburn, with Oklahoma and Missouri also in the mix. On3’s Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction for Stanford back in June amidst Babalola’s slate of official visits, but the latest intel (7:15 mark) hints the Wolverines may be the team to watch.

More to follow as we track this one over the next few weeks.

Michigan trending for top-200 running back

Four-star running back Javian Mallory took his first visit to Ann Arbor in June, where he was hosted by running backs coach Tony Alford. A star at West Boca Raton High School, he is a top-200 overall player and the No. 14 running back in 2026.

Mallory and Alford’s relationship dates back to Alford’s time at Ohio State. A few weeks after arriving in Ann Arbor, Alford made sure to also extend a scholarship offer from the maize and blue. From there the relationship has continued to grow.

“We go way back, but recently our relationship has been getting stronger,” Mallory told The Wolverine’s EJ Holland ($). “I had a great time with him on the visit. We’ve been talking on the phone every day.”

Alford also has family ties with Mallory after coaching his uncle, Rich Alexis, at the University of Washington. Prompting Mallory to tell Holland, “He coached my uncle back in the day. It’s bigger than football. Coach Alford feels like family.”

Michigan currently has two commits in the 2026 class and both are Florida natives — four-star quarterback Brady Hart and four-star cornerback Brody Jennings. Hart has been pitching Mallory to join the Wolverine backfield, citing the Florida to Ann Arbor connection.

“I see the pipeline now. I love to see it,” Mallory said. “Me and Brady Hart have been talking a little bit. He wants me to be the next one.

“Michigan is a running back’s dream. They have a great offensive line. Coach Alford is going to do his job with the backs. He produces each and every year. He’s going to push me to a new level. Michigan is definitely a top school for me right now.”

With a decision possibly coming this month, Michigan will continue to battle Miami and Notre Dame for Mallory’s pledge. The lone prediction currently favors the Wolverines.

Michigan is the dream offer for four-star defensive lineman

Defensive line coach Lou Esposito recently offered 2026 four-star defensive lineman Elijah Golden. Golden, the No. 160 overall prospect and 17th ranked defensive lineman, plays at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, but is originally from King George, Virginia.

“It was exciting to get the offer,” Golden On3’s Holland ($). “That was my dream school growing up. I like everything about Michigan.”

Golden has yet to visit Ann Arbor, but he is hoping to do so soon, saying, “I definitely want to visit for a game or in the spring. I want to meet the coaches and staff. I want to see what the student life is like and how everything works up there. I just want to see everything.”

He took trips in June to Notre Dame, Ohio State and North Carolina. Michigan will push to get him up to visit for a game this season. Golden told 247Sports’ Brian Dohn ($) he also plans to make fall trips to Florida and Virginia Tech, while a return trip to Notre Dame is likely on the docket as well.

Golden currently has one Crystal Ball prediction from 247’s Tom Loy, and that prediction favors the Fighting Irish. However, it’s early in this recruitment and a college decision is not expected until after official visits next summer.

Quick Hitters

• 2025 top-100 defensive lineman DJ Sanders committed to Texas A&M last week. Michigan, who was in his top-three along with Texas, will likely try to flip the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder. I would also expect Esposito to open up the board along the interior defensive line while they Wolverines look for a potential nose tackle to add to the class.
• Recent Michigan decommit Phillip Wright committed to LSU. Michigan will pivot and look to close with top-100 wide receiver Andrew Marsh, who is slated to announce his decision on Aug. 20.
• The women’s basketball team added two commitments to its 2025 class over the last several days. Shooting guard McKenzie Mathurin, the No. 7 overall recruit per 247Sports, announced her commitment to the Wolverines after decommitting from Nebraska in May. Head coach Kim Barnes Arico also gained the pledge of power forward Jessica Fields over the weekend. An interesting note on Fields — she is the little sister of former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. A family divided.