Michigan Wolverines Get Great News As Elite Offensive Linemen Announce Returns
The Michigan Wolverines received a massive influx of positive news for their 2026 offensive outlook this week. While the college football world eagerly awaits a decision from starting quarterback Bryce Underwood regarding his future, the foundation that protects him just got significantly stronger. Offensive linemen Blake Frazier and Andrew Babalola have both confirmed they will return to Ann Arbor for the 2026 season, solidifying key positions in the trenches and signaling a bright future for the Maize and Blue offense.
Michigan Wolverines Retain 2 Key Linemen
Both players took to social media platform X on Monday to share their commitment to the program. Echoing the legendary mantra of former coach Bo Schembechler, both Frazier and Babalola posted the simple yet powerful phrase: “Those who stay.” This rallying cry, synonymous with Michigan football culture (“Those who stay will become champions”), served as a reassuring message to a fanbase watching the transfer portal closely.
Blake Frazier: Cementing the Left Side
Blake Frazier’s return is particularly significant given his performance during the 2025 campaign. Frazier stepped into the spotlight under difficult circumstances, taking over the starting left tackle role after the fourth game of the season following an injury to Evan Link.
Rather than looking like an inexperienced backup, Frazier seized the opportunity and never looked back. He provided stability to a line that was in flux, demonstrating the footwork, strength, and football IQ necessary to thrive in the Big Ten. His play down the stretch was a bright spot in the season, effectively laying claim to the starting left tackle job for the foreseeable future.
Retaining a starting-caliber left tackle is one of the most difficult tasks in modern college football, where premium pass protectors are highly sought after in the transfer portal. Frazier’s decision to continue his development in Ann Arbor gives the Wolverines a known commodity at the most critical position on the offensive line. Under the tutelage of new offensive line coach Jim Harding, Frazier is expected to take another leap forward in his development, potentially establishing himself as one of the conference’s premier linemen.
Andrew Babalola: The Five-Star Potential Returns
The excitement surrounding the offensive line didn’t stop with Frazier. Shortly after Frazier’s announcement, Andrew Babalola, a former five-star recruit, confirmed he would also be back in the winged helmet for 2026.
Babalola’s situation is different but equally promising. He missed his true freshman season due to injury, meaning the 2026 campaign will be his redshirt freshman year. Despite the missed time, the hype surrounding his talent has not waned. At 6-foot-6 with exceptional athleticism for his size, Babalola possesses the prototypical traits of an elite offensive tackle.
Provided he is fully healthy by the start of the 2026 season, Babalola is widely expected to compete for—and likely win—a starting tackle spot opposite Frazier. The prospect of having bookend tackles with the talent level of Frazier and Babalola gives Michigan a potentially dominant edge-blocking duo for years to come.
Stopping the Bleeding
These announcements come at a critical juncture for the Michigan program. The offensive line room had taken some hits recently, with players like Andrew Sprague and Jake Guarnera entering the transfer portal. While the door remains open for their potential return, the uncertainty created anxiety about the depth of the unit.
Securing commitments from Frazier and Babalola effectively “stops the bleeding,” as noted by analysts. It provides a solid foundation for Coach Harding to build upon. Instead of scrambling to find two starting tackles in the portal—a notoriously difficult and expensive endeavor—the staff can now focus on developing the talent already in the building and filling specific depth needs.
Impact on Bryce Underwood
Bryce Underwood also announced his commitment to the program in 2026. These two elite players coming back might have played a big role in keeping him in Ann Arbor.
Quarterbacks want to know they will be kept upright. Returning a proven starter in Frazier and a blue-chip talent in Babalola makes the Michigan offense a much more attractive proposition. It signals that the program is committed to maintaining the physical, line-of-scrimmage dominance that has been its hallmark. With the tackle positions seemingly locked down by young, high-ceiling talent, the Wolverines have turned a potential area of concern into a distinct strength.
