Where Michigan Football stands with 5-Star QB Bryce Underwood
Ranked as the #1 quarterback in the country, Michigan football yet again has an elite quarterback talent in their backyard. They lost out on Dante Moore in 2023, but seem to be faring much better with Underwood.
It makes sense. Michigan football has won the Big Ten back-to-back years, has a current quarterback projected as a first-round draft pick, has promised to throw the ball more, and has a quarterback coach that takes pride in recruiting in Kirk Campbell.
Of all the variables that have made Michigan football more attractive to Underwood, there is none bigger than the promotion of Kirk Campbell.
Matt Weiss was not a good recruiter. Plain and simple. He didn’t like to be out on the trail and couldn’t really connect with recruits and their families. He was a liability.
Campbell, on the other hand, loves recruiting, and recruits love him. So far, Campbell looks like an ace on the trail. He landed top target Jadyn Davis, and has had the full-court press on Underwood ever since he got the promotion.
Underwood recently made yet another visit to Michigan for the BBQ at the Big House. This came immediately after a visit to LSU, showing that Underwood has a lot of love for Ann Arbor. He’s visited Michigan ten times, with six coming in 2023.
So where does Michigan football stand with Underwood, who is set to make his commitment on January 6th?
At the top. Michigan is undoubtedly in the top two along with LSU. Right now, it honestly seems like those are the only two real contenders. Obviously, schools like Georgia and Alabama will try to get in the mix, but both have five-star commits in the 2024 class and will also be debuting young quarterbacks in the 2023 season.
Ohio State already has a quarterback commit in the 2025 class, so it’s possible that this could remain a Michigan-LSU battle. Obviously, LSU is more NIL-friendly than Michigan football, but I think the fact that Underwood is a quarterback could negate that.
I say that because Underwood will be arguably the biggest recruit in Michigan history. Every company will want to sponsor him, every kid will want his jersey. He’s going to make millions regardless of where he goes to school.
There is a clear path to Underwood starting as a freshman at both schools. In fact, he may have a better shot at Michigan. LSU’s current quarterback, Jayden Daniels, is in his 5th year and will leave the program following this season. Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, meanwhile, could stay for another year, leaving the position vacant for the 2025 season.
With that information, what has Michigan football done and what are Michigan’s chances?