The Michigan Wolverines are riding high after securing a commitment from five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola on Monday. However, the excitement is tempered by a looming battle to hold onto their top defensive commitment for the 2025 recruiting class. Reports have surfaced indicating that four-star safety Ivan Taylor is torn between staying committed to Michigan or potentially joining the powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide.
Taylor, who flipped his commitment from Notre Dame to Michigan over the summer, has emerged as a coveted recruit in the 2025 class. Currently ranked as the No. 7 safety nationally and the No. 60 overall recruit according to On3, Taylor’s decision could significantly impact Michigan’s defensive prospects moving forward.
Michigan 4-star safety commit Ivan Taylor is ‘torn’ between Alabama and the Wolverines, he tells @ChadSimmons_👀
Taylor will be back in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
Read: https://t.co/QjiPuX2MLX pic.twitter.com/bTsVlyOXQp
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 22, 2024
As it stands, the Wolverines boast the No. 12 ranked recruiting class in the nation, placing them fourth within the Big Ten. This ranking reflects the program’s efforts to build a solid foundation for the future, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s a look at Michigan’s current commitments for the 2025 class:
– Andrew Babalola – Five-Star Offensive Tackle
– Ivan Taylor – Four-Star Safety
– Kainoa Winston – Four-Star Safety
– Andrew Marsh – Four-Star Wide Receiver
– Andrew Olesh – Four-Star Tight End
– Jaylen Williams – Four-Star Defensive Lineman
– Avery Gach – Four-Star Offensive Tackle
– Jayden Sanders – Four-Star Cornerback
– Carter Smith – Three-Star Quarterback
– Bobby Kanka – Three-Star Defensive Lineman
– Jacob Washington – Three-Star Wide Receiver
– Julius Holly – Three-Star Edge Rusher
– Donovan Johnson – Three-Star Running Back
– Eli Owens – Three-Star Tight End
– Kaden Strayhorn – Three-Star Interior Offensive Lineman
– Jasper Parker – Three-Star Running Back
– Chase Taylor – Three-Star Linebacker
The Wolverines’ coaching staff faces a critical task: not only must they strengthen their existing commitments, but they also need to fend off the persistent pursuit from Alabama, a program renowned for its ability to attract elite talent. The stakes are high for Michigan as they seek to enhance their defensive lineup, especially with a talent like Taylor potentially bringing elite-level playmaking abilities to the backfield.
As the recruiting cycle heats up, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Taylor’s decision. The Wolverines have made significant strides in recruiting, but keeping their highest-rated defensive prospect will be pivotal for their future success on the gridiron. With the early signing period approaching, it’s all hands on deck for Michigan as they navigate this critical juncture in their recruiting efforts.
