Michigan’s football program has added another key piece to its 2025 recruiting class.

Denton (Texas) Ryan four-star offensive lineman Ty Haywood announced his commitment to the Wolverines on Wednesday morning, the start of the traditional signing period. The No. 39 overall prospect and No. 6 offensive tackle nationally, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, originally committed to Alabama in July but did not sign with the Crimson Tide during the early window in December.

Haywood backed off his verbal pledge Jan. 13 and took an official visit to Michigan, his first trip to Ann Arbor, four days later. He did not take any subsequent visits, making the Wolverines the widely perceived favorite heading into Wednesday. Florida State and Texas Tech were his other two finalists.

The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder’s addition is a massive boon for Michigan, which has missed on several offensive line targets in the transfer portal. Haywood becomes the fourth linemen in the 2025 class, joining five-star tackle Andrew Babalola, four-star interior lineman Avery Gach and three-star interior lineman Kaden Strayhorn.

With Michigan losing two starters to graduation and five depth linemen to the transfer portal, adding talent at the position is a priority. Haywood was one of only two top-100 prospects who was uncommitted entering Wednesday.

Landing him is a signature win for head coach Sherrone Moore and position coach Grant Newsome. The Wolverines announced Haywood’s signing shortly after his commitment.

“I just think they’ve really pitched development to him as an offensive lineman,” The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich said of Michigan’s pitch to Haywood. “That’s kind of an easy sell. He’s got (offensive line coach) Grant Newsome who played the position. Then you got Sherrone Moore, the head coach, who played and coached the position. The style of offense, they’re going to run the football. On top of that, they’re going to get you in the league.

“I think those are all things that really intrigue him. And it’s no secret, but if Michigan is going to use (name, image, likeness), they’re going to look at certain positions, and offensive line is one they’re going to address and definitely take care of.”

The Wolverines entered the day with the eighth-ranked class in the country and have landed four top-50 prospects this cycle. The other 23 commits signed during the early window in December.

“Imposing offensive tackle with impressive length relative to height,” 247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote in his scouting report of Haywood. “Long-armed with a huge reach. Gradually improved quickness off the ball throughout junior year and performed well on the elite camp circuit prior to senior season to ascend a loaded 2025 OT board.

“Promising athletic testing ledger, particularly in lateral suddenness. Still developing consistent hand placement and technique, but if he gets his hands inside you, you are done. Early senior season revealed some inconsistencies in leverage and footwork activity when engaged, but has put plenty of encouraging reps on tape during high school career. Balance and body control come and go. Sudden power can get him on his heels, but strong enough to recover and anchor in most cases. Possesses the physical traits and athleticism — functional and verified — to play on the outside on either end of the O-line, but might project best to a right tackle role.”