Stanford trending to land 5-star OT Andrew Babalola

Stanford is in prime position to land one of the premier offensive linemen of the 2025 recruiting cycle.

The Cardinal are currently trending in the recruitment of Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). On3’s Steve Wiltfong logged an expert prediction in favor of Stanford with a 60% confidence level.

Last month, Babalola scheduled official visits to Auburn, Missouri, Stanford, Michigan and Oklahoma. He broke down each school with On3.

“You have to start with the elite academics at Stanford,” Babalola said. “That separates them from others, but they have a good tradition in football too. Coach Troy Taylor is bringing the program back and I like his vision for the program.”

In late May, Wiltfong and On3’s Chad Simmons were asked to ‘call their shots’ on elite uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class. They both chose Stanford for Babalola.

Simmons: “It is going to be about the official visits. Academics are very important here. NIL is a factor, but not a big factor I am told. Auburn made a move last weekend. Michigan, Oklahoma and Stanford are in this too. Oklahoma had the momentum early, but that has faded some. Stanford’s academics make the Cardinal a strong player. I am told not to discount Michigan because of the combination of football and academics. Stanford would be the one I’d lean towards today, but this is still fairly open.”

Wiltfong: “My pick today is Stanford. If there was no football involved he’d go to Stanford. They’ve done a great job, the vision of the program, I think his family likes it and what it stands for. Auburn is the other school in great position and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up a Tiger.”

Andrew Babalola Recruit Profile

Babalola is the nation’s No. 20 overall prospect, No. 4 offensive tackle and top recruit from Kansas in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“Immensely gifted offensive tackle who has the physical traits and athletic ability to develop into one of the top prospects at the position in the 2025 cycle. New to football, playing his first year of varsity action as a junior, previously being a basketball-first athlete. Measured in at over 6-foot-5, 280 pounds with arms over 34 inches prior to his junior season. A naturally flexible athlete. Has a flat back in his stance and plays low, sinking his hips to drive up through defenders. A strong functional mover. Moves well and shows light feet. Has advanced balance and shows a strong base, playing with his feet rooted in the ground. Shows surprising and borderline startling play strength for a developmental tackle. Consistently manhandles defensive linemen at the point of attack.

“Sustains blocks with his strong grip strength and often finishes with authority, planting defensive linemen in the dirt. Shows an encouraging level of physicality and nastiness. Will need to continue honing his overall technique, particularly in pass protection. Just scratching the surface of his considerable potential and could challenge as the top tackle in the 2025 cycle with continued development.”