In a seismic shift that has rocked the college football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top-ranked prospect for 2025, has flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan in what could be the most significant recruiting victory in Wolverines’ history.
Head coach Sherrone Moore secured the commitment of the Belleville High School star through a reported groundbreaking NIL package worth up to $10 million over four years. The deal, facilitated by Champions Circle, Michigan’s official NIL collective, marks a new era in college football recruiting.
“We are very excited to keep Bryce home in Michigan as he continues to build his legacy,” announced Champions Circle’s chairman, Nate Forbes. Forbes specifically thanked Jolin and Larry Ellison for their “invaluable guidance and financial resources” in making the deal possible.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Underwood brings an impressive high school legacy to Ann Arbor. The young quarterback dominated Michigan high school football, setting state records with 11,234 passing yards and 149 touchdown passes. His stellar career at Belleville included:
- Two Division 1 state championships (first and second years)
- A 50-4 career record
- Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors (junior year)
- He had 3,329 passing yards and 44 touchdowns in his junior season alone
The recruitment saga took several turns before today’s announcement. Underwood initially committed to LSU in January, deciding before a packed cafeteria at Belleville High School. However, LSU’s struggling season (6-4) and recent losses to Alabama and Florida may have influenced his decision to stay closer to home.
“He’s flipped. Bryce is going to Michigan,” confirmed Elijah Dotson, Underwood’s Belleville teammate who also recently committed to the Wolverines. “I’m very excited. My brother and I only had one year together at Belleville, and now we must continue our relationship in Michigan.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Michigan, as the defending national champions have struggled with quarterback consistency this season. The Wolverines have rotated between Davis Warren, Alex Orji, and Jack Tuttle, posting a disappointing 5-5 record thus far.
Underwood announced his decision through a compelling Instagram video, branding himself as a “hometown hero.” The video included childhood footage showing a young Underwood making a mock announcement about playing for Michigan, bringing his journey full circle. Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks ninth nationally, according to 247Sports’ composite system. The class includes other notable commits:
- Andrew Babaloa: Five-star offensive tackle from Kansas
- Elijah Dotson: Four-star safety
- Andrew Olesh: Four-star tight end
- Shamari Earls: Four-star cornerback who flipped from Georgia
- Andrew Marsh: Four-star receiver
Underwood is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent on December 4, December 4, the day of the NCAA’s early signing period. He will become the first #1 overall recruit to join Michigan since Rashan Gary in 2016 and only the fourth five-star prospect to land in Ann Arbor since 2006.
Belleville coach Calvin Norman expressed surprise at the decision but supported his star player’s choice: “We’re all excited for him. It’s great that he’s staying home.” Underwood is scheduled to begin practice with Michigan on December 1, 19, the start of a new chapter in Wolverine football history.