Michigan football has enjoyed good health for the most part this season, but there's a negative update surrounding a five-star prospect who's still yet to see the field for the Wolverines.
Andrew Babalola, who was the team's top-rated recruit in the class of 2025 outside of Bryce Underwood, has suffered a "setback" according to coach Kyle Whittingham. Babalola missed the entirety of the 2025 season after he tore his ACL in fall camp last August and was back practicing with the team in this fall camp.
On Aug. 21, Whittingham said he suffered a "minor" setback and he was expected to be out "a few more days" at that time, but it's clearly something more serious that the staff originally believed, or at least led on.
"We're going to have to work through
some things," Whittingham said Monday, Sept. 14 of his health status. "He will not be available in the near future, unfortunately."
It's a blow to U-M's offensive line, a unit that hasn't exactly looked great through two weeks. Whittingham said the unit graded out better in the 17-10 win over Oklahoma than in Week 1, in large part because of the energy and passion it played with, which he described as "markedly different."
Babalola wasn't the only offensive lineman who was out this past week. Evan Link, who started at left guard against Western Michigan, didn't play against Oklahoma with an injury of his own. He suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through last season and missed time this spring with an injury, as well.
While it's not clear if it was the same one that kept him out against OU, the belief is it won't be long term. Nate Efobi filled in for Link at left guard while Brady Norton started at right guard, one week after the two rotated heavily against WMU.
Link was seen dressed for the Week 2 game and preparing in warmups, but it was ultimately determined he was unable to go.
"We shuffled the lineup due to injury, not due to anything other than that," Whittingham said. "We hope to get Evan Link back. In fact, we should have him back this week, barring anything unforeseen. But Nate Efobi stepped in and did a nice job at left guard. You may see a rotation there this week with those two. That's to be determined."
The last update is Carter Meadows, a five-star true freshman edge from Washington D.C. who has yet to suit up for the Wolverines through two weeks. That should change this week against UTEP with Whittingham saying "Carter should be good-to-go this week."
Meadows stands 6 feet 7, 252 pounds, and while he remains a raw prospect, he has traits that can't be taught. There's belief among those in the room that sooner than later, he could be another layer of depth to what's already been a very impressive pass rush.
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Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football gets both good and bad news on injury front
