The Overland Park (Kansas) Blue Valley Northwest senior chose the Wolverines over Stanford, Auburn, Missouri and Oklahoma in a contentious recruitment.

Babalola originally considered a commitment for the end of July after his official visits in June. That was pushed back to August and then September before he set a firm deadline to announce his college decision during his final regular-season game, which is Friday.

He will be the highest-ranked commit in Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

Babalola was a basketball player who didn’t play a real football game until his junior season. By the end of his sophomore year, he was participating in spring ball. Despite his lack of experience, Babalola’s 6-foot-4, 280-pound frame and athleticism carried over from the basketball court immediately made him a Power Four recruit.

Babalola, a Bloomfield Township native, cited his relationships with head coach Sherrone Moore, offensive line coach Grant Newsome and director of recruiting Sam Popper as some of his most important connections in Ann Arbor. He was an excellent student and academics also played a big part of his decision.