Michigan Football: 3 thoughts on the Bryce Underwood flip

On Thursday night Adam Schefter broke the news that would change the fortunes for the future of Michigan football. The most prized recruit in the 2025 class, and perhaps Michigan football history, is spurning the LSU Tigers for his home-state team. This is the most substantial news since Michigan won the national championship in January.

Here are some thoughts about the changing of the landscape for Michigan football recruiting.

1. Underwood has to start day one

Whatever the price tag is that Underwood is rumored to be getting means he must start on August 30th, 2025 against New Mexico. It doesn't matter if they still snag a transfer in the portal or not. Underwood jumps Jadyn Davis immediatley on the depth chart and unless Arch Manning or someone of that nature transfers to Michigan, then he starts. It's that simple.

Underwood would have started this year and there's no way that Michigan would be 5-5, just fighting for the postseason. I wouldn't get my hopes up on getting a Miller Moss type of quarterback to transfer in and expect him to be the backup. I would bet that the coaches look at someone more like a Jack Tuttle type to be Underwood's backup, if Davis transfers out.

There was also a report by Field Yates on Thursday that Garrett Nussmeier may stay another year in Baton Rouge. That could have been the difference that made Underwood a starter at Michigan, instead of Nussmeier's backup.

2. The offense still needs more weapons for Underwood

The ramifications of this flip are already starting to come alive. Derek Meadows is being crystal-balled to Michigan football. You would think that this confirms Andrew Olesh's commitment to the Wolverines as well. Offensive tackle Andrew Babalola seemed thrilled by his tweet he sent out on Thursday after the news hit the wire.

As for the current Wolverines, this should only make the players around Underwood better. Jordan Marshall could benefit the most. The young tight ends should flourish with someone who can actually get them the ball more often then not. And the offensive line is tracking to be in line with the past Joe Moore award winners.

The group that needs the most help is obviously the receiver class. Assuming no one transfers out and they add a body or two through the portal, then its an instant upgrade all around. Next month is going to be absolutely wild with the possibility of commits flipping and transfers hitting the portal at a record pace.

The spring game will be even more anticipated then last year's. The staff realized they made a mistake this year and swung for the fences and hit a grand slam by making up for it in riveting fashion.

3. Underwood puts Michigan football back in the championship conversation

It might not happen overnight, but Michigan football will be back in the playoff picture sooner rather than later. They still have to deal with Ohio State who brings in the number two quarterback prospect in the country and will likely be starting a five-star quarterback in 2025 as well. Dylan Raiola returns with another year of experience. While Dante Moore will be a force in Eugene if they stick together and win it all in January.

So it won't be easy, but Michigan football should have what it takes to be in the top 12 this time next year. That's assuming Underwood develops properly and the guys around him pull their weight as well. The Oklahoma trip will give us a good understanding of where he and this team will be after his second career game in the maize and blue. The schedule ought to be more manageable with a capable quarterback in charge.

The opportunities are endless with a quarterback like Underwood in the fold. We saw what J.J. McCarthy did and Underwood's expectations will only be higher with every moment he wears the maize and blue uniform. This is the almost like the equivalent of winning another national championship.