"$10M & Tom Brady helping recruit": CFB Insider takes a stand for Brian Kelly after Bryce Underwood ditches LSU for Michigan
On3's college football insider J.D. PicKell has commented on the recruitment by Michigan Wolverines of Bryce Underwood and him being flipped from the LSU Tigers.
The five-star quarterback decided to join Michigan on Nov. 22 for next season. LSU fans are unhappy with coach Brian Kelly for not convincing Underwood to stay with the program after committing to the Tigers on Jan. 6.
CBS writer Matt Zenitz reported on Nov. 22 that Tom Brady had spoken to the Michigan Belleview Tigers star player on FaceTime several weeks ago and formed a relationship.
The former NFL quarterback has become a mentor to Underwood, leading to his commitment to the Wolverines. On3's EJ Holland also reported on Nov 13. that Michigan (5-5, 3-4 Big Ten) offered the recruit a $10.5 million NIL deal.
PicKell shared on X that he believes the LSU (6-4, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) coach didn't have a chance to keep Underwood after Brady began to speak with him and Michigan offered the lucrative deal.
"$10M+ and Tom Brady helping recruit. What was Brian Kelly supposed to do in this situation?!" wrote PicKell.
Zenitz shared in his report that another reason Underwood committed to the Wolverines was a conversation with his family last weekend. He said the Belleview quarterback's decision to become a hometown hero was key to why he chose Michigan over LSU.
Kelly losing Underwood marks the second player who has not committed to joining their team next season. On Nov. 16, offensive lineman Devin Harper decided to join the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels (8-2, 4-2) over LSU.
LSU Tigers' struggles in 2024 season
LSU is having a rough season and is on a three-game losing streak. After suffering a 27-20 defeat to the USC Trojans (5-5, 3-5 Big Ten) in Week 1 on Sep. 1, Kelly led his team to six consecutive wins. One of the notable victories for LSU was a close 29-26 home game win against Ole Miss in Week 7 on Oct. 12.
LSU's last win was a dominant 34-10 win against the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-5, 3-4 SEC) in Week 8 on Oct. 19. Since then, the team has been unable to get its seventh win.
Kelly has also shown frustration with his team, including arguing with LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. on the sidelines of their 27-16 loss to the Florida Gators (5-5, 3-4 SEC) in Week 12 on Nov. 16.
The Tigers have two games left on their regular schedule. LSU has earned eligibility to compete in a bowl game but will try to finish their season strong by defeating their next opponent.