Michigan finally has some good news in 2024. The Wolverines have secured a major win in the recruiting game with the announcement that Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 high-school recruit in the class of 2025, has flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. This talented quarterback is not just any recruit; he’s the top quarterback in his class, and his decision to stay in-state is a significant boost for a program that has faced challenges in its first season under coach Sherrone Moore.
What led to Underwood’s commitment?
Moore hinted at the exciting news with a cryptic tweet just days before Underwood’s announcement, creating a buzz among fans and analysts alike. This came on the heels of four-star quarterback Carter Smith decommitting from Michigan, leaving a gap that Underwood is now poised to fill. The Wolverines have been struggling at quarterback this season, with a record of 5-4 heading into their matchup against Indiana. The constant rotation among quarterbacks—Davis Warren, Alex Orji, and Jack Tuttle, who retired after a concussion—has left fans yearning for stability. Underwood could very well be the answer to those prayers in 2025.
Who is Bryce Underwood?
Underwood, a star from Belleville (Mich.) High School, boasts an impressive recruiting ranking of 0.9999 according to 247Sports.com. Over the last three seasons, he has amassed 5,203 passing yards, thrown 68 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His high school team has an outstanding record of 36-2 during that time. This kind of performance has rightfully earned him the title of the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2025, just ahead of Tavien St. Clair, who is committed to Ohio State. Imagine the rivalry that could unfold in the Big Ten!
How much NIL value does Bryce Underwood have at Michigan?
As college football evolves, so does the importance of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. While specific figures for Underwood’s NIL package have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest that Michigan is offering him a multi-million dollar deal to secure his commitment. Some estimates indicate that this figure could be close to $10 million over several seasons. This kind of financial backing could change the game for future five-star quarterbacks considering their options in this new landscape of college football.
Is Bryce Underwood Michigan’s best QB recruit ever?
When it comes to recruiting, Underwood stands out as Michigan’s highest-ranked quarterback ever, according to 247Sports.com. He is the fifth five-star quarterback the Wolverines have landed since 2005. Notable previous recruits include Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett, both of whom had impressive careers at Michigan. Henne and Mallett had recruiting rankings of 0.9924 and 0.9978, respectively. Additionally, Jim Harbaugh recruited five-star quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to a national championship run in 2023. Underwood’s commitment adds to an impressive legacy of quarterback talent at Michigan.
Here’s a snapshot of how Underwood compares to other notable Michigan QB recruits since 2015:
| YEAR | NAME | STAR | RATINGS |
| 2025 | Bryce Underwood | 5 | 0.9999 |
| 2021 | J.J. McCarthy | 4 | 0.9886 |
| 2024 | Jadyn Davis | 4 | 0.9848 |
| 2016 | Brandon Peters | 4 | 0.9684 |
| 2017 | Dylan McCaffrey | 4 | 0.9435 |
| 2015 | Zach Gentry | 4 | 0.9248 |
| 2019 | Cade McNamara | 4 | 0.9052 |
LSU’s QB depth chart without Bryce Underwood
Underwood’s decision is a significant blow to LSU’s recruiting efforts. Garrett Nussmeier, who has thrown for 2,627 yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions this season, has another year of eligibility remaining. If he doesn’t receive a favorable grade for the 2025 NFL Draft, he could return. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Rickie Collins is still developing, and LSU may need to explore options in the transfer portal if Nussmeier opts to go pro. This loss comes at a challenging time for third-year coach Brian Kelly, especially after the success of Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, who has made waves in the NFL.
In summary, the commitment of Bryce Underwood to Michigan is a monumental moment for the program. It not only provides a much-needed boost in talent but also signifies a shift in momentum as the Wolverines look to build a strong future under Coach Moore. With Underwood at the helm, Michigan fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead. The stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in Wolverines football!
