There was a shocking announcement in the college football recruiting world Thursday night, when Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect by the ESPN 300, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan.
Michigan was reportedly pulling out all the stops and its checkbook to land Belleville High School star quarterback Underwood in the state.
The high school is a half-hour drive from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Underwood announced the news with a video on her Instagram story, titled “Hometown Hero.”
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Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood runs with the ball during the second half of the district final against Saline on Nov. 8, 2024, at Belleville High School in Belleville. (photo)
With less than two weeks left in the early signing period for high school athletes, this is a huge move for coach Sharon Moore and the Wolverines.
Underwood is making history with the move to Michigan, becoming the highest-rated commit in the program’s existence, not to mention Moore’s top recruit in his inaugural class.
Moore took over for Jim Harbaugh as Michigan’s head coach after the team’s national title run in 2023 when Harbaugh filled the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coaching vacancy.
According to On3, Michigan was willing to offer Underwood $10.5 million in NIL money over four years, an unprecedented amount for a player who hasn’t played a college snap.
The report added earlier this month that LSU hoped Underwood would remain loyal after committing to the Tigers in January.
Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood runs with the ball during the second half of the district final against Saline on Nov. 8, 2024, at Belleville High School in Belleville. (photo)
It’s unknown what exactly Underwood’s NIL situation is with the Wolverines, but it’s safe to say it played a factor in him staying in his home state.
NIL’s money is changing the way recruiting is done at these universities, and since Underwood is the consensus No. 1 recruit, we’re looking to see how the program uses its resources to bring some of the nation’s best players to the field. Can increase financial strength.
According to ESPN, Michigan’s pursuit of Underwood has intensified over the past two months, and the KD commitment of Carter Smith, a four-star recruit, has sparked buzz that Underwood could flip.
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Underwood could officially sign with Michigan on Dec. 4, when he would become the first No. 1 overall recruit since Rashaan Gary signed with the Wolverines in 2016.
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