If you have watched Michigan football at all this season, then you know how important it is for the Wolverines to upgrade the quarterback position this offseason.
To that end, Michigan football is making a very public push to try and flip five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood from LSU. The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class and the top-ranked quarterback has been committed to the Tigers since January.
Part of the reason that Underwood committed to LSU in the first place was NIL. That's at least a reason that Michigan football wasn't among the teams making the final cut. Michigan didn't want to pay for players -- as ignorant as that was -- and now, they are paying for it on the field.
The 2023 recruiting class wasn't good enough. Michigan failed to capitalize on all of the Big Ten championships and the national championship solely due to its refusal to use NIL as a pay-for-play tool like every other major program.
Now, there are rumors about a $10 million offer to get Underwood to flip. But, his camp has said this decision isn't just about money. Underwood has a tight relationship with LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and his work with quarterbacks is proven.
On the other hand, if you watched Michigan's offense, you could understand why Underwood would be a little hesitant. Michigan needs a new offensvie coordinator. That much is clear, so there are plenty of factors outisde of money that make it likely that Underwood sticks to his commitment.
EJ Holland of The Wolverine reported on Wednesday that the feeling is that Underwood will stick with LSU. Things can change, but if that does happen, what's next for Michigan football?
Carter Smith decommitted after the Underwood pursuit became public. He has visited Wisconsin. Some other programs have shown interest but I wonder if there's a chance to repair that relationship.
Sherrone Moore's recent comments about Michigan football being "fine" despite not having a 2025 commitment at quarterback leads me to believe that U-M has a plan B whether it's Smith or otherwise.
Michigan also could just focus on adding a couple of quarterbacks via the portal. Maybe one who can start right away and another that's more developmental, sort of like Dante Moore going to Oregon before this season.
Either way, Michigan fans should prepare themselves for Underwood to stick with LSU. It was good of U-M to make a run, but it seems too little too late.