If you are a Michigan football fan, there has been one dominant topic of conversation recently -- the recruitment of Bryce Underwood.
This one has been all over the map. The Wolverines offered a big NIL payday for Underwood to flip his commitment. That's part of the pitch. He is also from Michigan. Underwood is also an elite quarterback. He's ranked No. 1 at his position and No. 1 overall in the 2025 class.
Michigan football just so happens to need a quarterback. LSU, the program he has been committed to since January, has had a lot of success with quarterbacks though. However, the Tigers are 6-4 which isn't much better than the Wolverines' current record of 5-5.
Just landing Underwood isn't going to guarantee a turnaround though. There are more things that need to happen and here's a rundown of what should be on the to-do list.
Get a veteran quarterback
Davis Warren might stick around. He has improved and surrounded by a better offensive line, he is at least functional. But even if Michigan lands Underwood, QB depth is still going to be an issue.
I'm sure Underwood would start but you want him to win the job so adding a veteran from the portal might not be a bad thing. He doesn't have to be someone that will compete with Underwood. But a veteran presence and depth wouldn't be a bad thing.
If Warren is around, that's not as big of a need, but we'll see about him because he's good enough to start somewhere, even if it's not at Michigan.
Get the Underwood or another QB help
As we have seen with Nebraska and Dylan Raiola, a five-star freshman, if you don't have the right pieces around him, things can get rough.
Michigan football needs to upgrade at wide receiver. Whether that's 2025 five-star Derek Meadows to go along with Andrew Marsh, and some others like Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris that could make a big difference.
Whether it's freshmen or transfers, Michigan needs better players at wide receiver, regardless if Bryce Underwood comes to Michigan or not.
Portal like Ohio State
Michigan football needs an offseason like Ohio State had last year. If they are willing to pay Underwood over $10 million then it seems plausible. The Wolverines need help on the offensive line, the defensive line, receiver, as mentioned earlier, quarterback, and the secondary.
It can be done if you are willing to fork out NIL money. You still have to find the right players but in this current day and age, even the "right" players have a big price tag.
Get Rod Moore and Benny back
It will hurt to lose Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. However, it will be easier to stomach if Rayshaun Benny comes back next season.
Graham and Grant feel like they are headed to the NFL draft and you can't blame them. Benny could use another season to bump his grade into the first-round and he would get the opportuiity.
Rod Moore could do the same after missing this season due to injury. Both guys could head to the NFL draft but each could improve their draft stock and get a hefty payday in return.
Make staff changes
This might be as simple as making a couple of additions. The offense needs a fresh mind. Maybe Wink has adjusted. We'll see over the next two weeks but he has a huge buyout and I'm not sure if you want to waste that money on him when it could go to players.
Sherrone Moore needs to upgrade this staff.