**Former LSU Football Commit Bryce Underwood Details Reason Behind Flipping to Michigan**
Bryce Underwood, a five-star quarterback prospect from Belleville High School in Michigan, made a major splash in the world of college football recruiting when he flipped his commitment from Louisiana State University (LSU) to the University of Michigan in November 2024. The news not only shook the recruiting world but also sent shockwaves through both LSU and Michigan football programs. Underwood’s commitment to Michigan was highly anticipated, but his flip from LSU raised several important questions: what were the reasons behind the change, and how will it affect both schools moving forward?
**Background and Early Success of Bryce Underwood**
Before diving into the reasons behind his commitment change, it is essential to understand Bryce Underwood’s background and the rapid rise to prominence in the world of high school football. Underwood, standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 210 pounds, quickly became known for his elite arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure. As the starting quarterback for Belleville High School in Michigan, he guided his team to two state championships and amassed impressive numbers. By the end of his high school career, he had set several state records, including 12,919 all-purpose yards and 179 total touchdowns, as well as 11,488 passing yards and 152 touchdowns. These achievements solidified Underwood as one of the best quarterbacks to ever come out of Michigan and one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country.
In early 2024, Underwood made waves by committing to LSU, a program with a rich football tradition and a reputation for producing top-tier quarterbacks. LSU seemed like a natural fit for Underwood, as the school had been a powerhouse in college football for years and had a recent history of producing successful quarterbacks in the NFL. However, in November 2024, to the surprise of many, Underwood made the unexpected announcement that he was flipping his commitment to Michigan.
**The Role of NIL in the Flip**
One of the most significant factors that played a role in Underwood’s decision to switch his commitment was the changing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. NIL has drastically reshaped college sports in recent years, allowing players to profit from their likeness and brand while still in school. The financial incentives associated with NIL opportunities are becoming an increasingly important part of a recruit’s decision-making process, and Bryce Underwood was no exception.
Reports emerged that Michigan offered Underwood a substantial NIL package, one that could total up to $12 million. This substantial offer was made possible through a combination of high-profile Michigan alumni, including some of the wealthiest individuals in the country, such as Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, and other influential figures who played a role in making these NIL opportunities possible. Ellison’s involvement in Michigan’s NIL efforts and the financial backing provided by these individuals were crucial in swaying Underwood’s decision to flip his commitment.
The prospect of being able to make significant financial gains through NIL deals while still in college likely weighed heavily in Underwood’s decision to move to Michigan. The ability to leverage his talents and marketability in a way that provides him with financial security while pursuing his football career was a game-changer in modern college recruiting.
**Mentorship and the Influence of Michigan’s Alumni Network**
Another important factor in Underwood’s flip was the influence of Michigan’s powerful alumni network, particularly NFL legend Tom Brady. Brady, who is one of Michigan’s most famous alumni, personally reached out to Underwood and played an instrumental role in his recruitment. Brady connected with Underwood on several Zoom calls and offered his mentorship, sharing insights into the Michigan football program and offering advice on how to succeed both as a quarterback and as a professional athlete.
Brady’s involvement was a pivotal moment in Underwood’s decision-making process. Underwood openly admitted that Brady’s personal involvement in his recruitment helped to shift his perception of Michigan and made the Wolverines more appealing than before. The opportunity to work with an all-time great quarterback like Brady was an offer that LSU could not match, and it gave Michigan a considerable edge in the recruitment battle.
Underwood’s decision to play for Michigan also allowed him to remain close to home and represent his state. This personal connection to Michigan, being a native of Belleville, made the Wolverines a more attractive option. The idea of playing for a program that was deeply ingrained in the fabric of his state and community resonated strongly with Underwood, adding an emotional layer to the decision. The ability to continue to be close to his family and friends while playing for a top-tier football program was a significant pull.
**Shifts in Michigan’s Quarterback Development and Program Focus**
In addition to the external factors like NIL opportunities and mentorship, Underwood’s flip to Michigan was also influenced by the changes within the Michigan football program itself. Initially, Underwood had committed to LSU due to concerns over Michigan’s ability to develop quarterbacks at the highest level. Historically, Michigan had been viewed as more of a run-oriented program, and there were questions about whether they could provide the kind of quarterback development Underwood was looking for.
However, Michigan made significant strides in addressing those concerns. The hiring of Sherrone Moore as head coach and the shift in the program’s offensive philosophy helped convince Underwood that Michigan could be the right fit for his career. Moore’s development of quarterbacks, along with a renewed focus on creating a dynamic and high-powered passing game, helped persuade Underwood that Michigan had the tools to help him grow into an NFL-caliber quarterback.
Underwood’s decision also came at a time when Michigan was undergoing a culture shift under head coach Jim Harbaugh. With a renewed emphasis on quarterback development and the evolution of the team’s offense, Michigan had shown they were serious about competing at the highest level and developing their quarterbacks into future NFL prospects. The combination of these changes made Michigan an increasingly attractive option for Underwood, who was looking for both financial security and a program that could help him reach his professional goals.
**Impact on Michigan and LSU Recruiting Classes**
The immediate impact of Underwood’s flip was significant for both Michigan and LSU. For Michigan, Underwood’s commitment immediately boosted the Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class from 15th to 9th nationally. The high-profile addition of a five-star quarterback like Underwood not only improved Michigan’s rankings but also sent a clear message to other recruits that Michigan was a program on the rise, willing to compete at the highest level in both football and recruiting.
In addition to the boost in rankings, Underwood’s commitment helped solidify Michigan’s standing as a top contender in the Big Ten for years to come. With a top-tier quarterback leading their offense, the Wolverines were positioned to challenge for national championships and further build on their recent success. Furthermore, Underwood’s flip may open doors for other high-profile recruits who were previously uncertain about Michigan’s quarterback development, making it easier for the Wolverines to land future prospects.
On the other hand, LSU’s loss of Underwood was a significant setback for the Tigers, who had invested heavily in recruiting the young quarterback. LSU had long been viewed as a powerhouse in college football, with a storied history of developing elite quarterbacks, and Underwood’s commitment was seen as a major victory for the program. However, despite the disappointment, LSU was no stranger to recruiting challenges, and the Tigers would quickly pivot, focusing on finding other top quarterbacks to fill the void left by Underwood’s departure.
**Conclusion: A New Era for Bryce Underwood at Michigan**
Bryce Underwood’s flip from LSU to Michigan represents the shifting dynamics in college football recruiting. The increased influence of NIL deals, the power of alumni networks, and the evolution of a program’s quarterback development all played a role in Underwood’s decision. His commitment to Michigan, bolstered by strong financial incentives and mentorship from NFL legends like Tom Brady, marks a new chapter in his career and signals a changing era for college football recruiting.
As Underwood prepares to step onto the field as Michigan’s quarterback in 2025, the college football world will be watching closely to see how he performs in the Big Ten and beyond. With the backing of a top-tier program, lucrative NIL deals, and the mentorship of some of the best in the game, Underwood is well-positioned to achieve great success as he takes the next step in his football journey.
