There's probably a few different factors that will determine whether or not five-star quarterback Bryce UnderwoodThere are will flip his commitment from LSU to Michigan football.
One of those is going to be the NIL factor. For years, Michigan football has refused to get involved in the pay-for-play side of recruiting. That has started to change though. The Wolverines have shifted away from "transformational not transactional" and Underwood is the clearest example of that.
The No. 1 QB and overall recruit in the 2025 class is committed to LSU and has been since January. The Tigers have committed around $5 million to Underwood according to reports. Michigan football is willing to exceed that and reportedly won't be outbid.
EJ Holland of The Wolverine essentially said that too, on a recent podcast, in which he discussed Underwood's recruitment and where things stand with Early National Signing Day just a few weeks away.
The latest on Michigan football, Bryce Underwood
“Michigan’s push for Bryce Underwood is real,” Holland said. “Sherrone Moore is personally recruiting Underwood. There is an NIL group that is Dave Portnoy that has put together a package for Bryce Underwood and his family. LSU is willing to counter. But again, Michigan has already put together that package and is willing to increase based on what LSU does. There are still some factors working for LSU. I think the money is going to be the most important factor, but there are other factors he will consider. It’s also important to note that Bryce will go back to LSU for his official visit next weekend.”
Michigan football probably needs to get Underwood on campus for a visit at some point. LSU is hosting him for an official visit and we'll see if the Wolverines can get him to Ann Arbor. There is a bye week next week which could be a critical time for U-M with Underwood.
Sherrone Moore has taken the lead in this recruitment. Moore's first season hasn't gone as planned but he's always been a great recruiter and landing Underwood will be his greatest test.
It's a recruiting win that Michigan football needs at this point.