TLDR: The Michigan Wolverines are stepping up their game in the recruiting arena, aiming to snatch prized five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood from Alabama, despite losing four-star safety Ivan Taylor to their rivals. Haywood, a highly ranked prospect in the 2025 cycle, has yet to visit Michigan, but the Wolverines are working hard to offer a competitive NIL deal before Early Signing Day. With valuable prospect Andrew Babalola already on board, Michigan is intent on creating a formidable offensive line. Haywood’s athletic profile is notable, with his skill set suggesting he could adapt to various roles on the line, making him a hot prospect for any team.

Michigan’s football recruiting efforts are ramping up, especially in light of recent events. After losing four-star safety Ivan Taylor to Alabama, the Wolverines are reportedly making a concerted push to attract five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood, who has been committed to the Crimson Tide since the summer. Haywood stands as the No. 20 overall prospect and the No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruitment cycle. If Michigan succeeds, Haywood would join another five-star recruit, Andrew Babalola, who ranks 14th overall and third among offensive tackles.

Haywood, hailing from Denton (TX) Ryan, measures an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighs 285 pounds. The tackle has a broad appeal, with offers from numerous college programs across the nation. The buzz around Michigan’s aggressive recruitment of Haywood includes speculation of a substantial NIL deal intended to sway him before Early Signing Day, which is just around the corner.

One significant factor in possibly securing Haywood’s commitment is his lack of prior visits to Michigan. The Wolverines are aware that a campus visit could greatly influence his decision, and they are keen to arrange this as they bolster their recruitment pitch. Nevertheless, the negotiation and potential promise of lucrative NIL incentives might be the decisive factor for both parties involved.

Haywood’s profile, as evaluated by 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks, presents him as a formidable offensive tackle with notable length and reach. His junior-year improvements in quickness, along with an impressive camp circuit performance, have enhanced his reputation. Despite some areas requiring development, such as hand placement and leverage consistency, his athletic attributes make him a versatile candidate for various positions on the offensive line, promising an exceptional future in college football.