A shocker was reported in the college football recruiting world Thursday night when Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect according to the ESPN 300, changed his commitment from LSU to Michigan.
Michigan reportedly pulled out all the stops, along with its checkbook, to lure Underwood, the star quarterback from Belleville High School to the state.
The high school is a half-hour from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Underwood announced the news with a video on her Instagram Story, captioned “Hometown Hero.”
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Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood keeps the ball and runs against Saline during the second half of a district final at Belleville High School in Belleville on Nov. 8, 2024. (Imagn)
The early signing period for high school athletes is less than two weeks away, making this a huge move for coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines.
Underwood makes history with this 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 succeeded Jim Harbaugh as Michigan’s head coach following the team’s 2023 national title run, when Harbaugh filled the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching vacancy.
According to On3, Michigan was willing to offer Underwood $10.5 million NIL over four years, an unprecedented sum for a player who never played in college.
The report added earlier this month that LSU hoped Underwood would stick with it after committing to the Tigers in January.
Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood keeps the ball and runs against Saline during the second half of a district final at Belleville High School in Belleville on Nov. 8, 2024. (Imagn)
It’s unclear exactly what Underwood’s NIL situation is with the Wolverines, but it’s safe to say it played a role in him remaining in his home state.
Zero money at these universities is changing the way recruiting is done, and with Underwood being a consensus No. 1 recruit, we’re seeing how these programs can flex the financial muscle to recruit some of the best players in the country.
Michigan’s pursuit of Underwood has intensified over the past two months, according to ESPN, and the decommitment of Carter Smith, a four-star recruit, has created buzz that Underwood could flip.
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Underwood can officially sign with Michigan on Dec. 4, when he will become the first No. 1 recruit since Rashan Gary signed with the Wolverines in 2016.
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