"It's been more money talks": Michigan recruiting insider reveals the Wolverines' NIL-based approach to flip 5-star LSU recruit Bryce Underwood

By Aman Sharma

Modified Oct 31, 2024 13:48 GMT

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Michigan's pursuit of Belleville five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top-ranked recruit for the 2025 class, is intensifying as the Wolverines look to flip his commitment from LSU.

Initially committed to LSU since January, Underwood now faces a compelling counteroffer from Michigan, bolstered by a substantial NIL deal to sway his decision before National Signing Day.

On3's Pete Nakos reported that Michigan's NIL package for Underwood could surpass $5 million over three to four years, aligning closely with the NIL compensation LSU has offered to secure his commitment.

Michigan Wolverine insider EJ Holland discussed their approach on "On3 Recruits" and said the talks are based on money:

"Money. ... It is money. Michigan is shifting toward a NIL approach. ... I think it's been more money talks, it hasn't necessarily been the Michigan staff per say, it's been more so the boosters that are getting things aligned for this and the supporters of Michigan that are putting together an NIL package." (2.20)

Sherrone Moore, Michigan's offensive coordinator, and Sean McGee, Michigan’s general manager, and NIL coordinator, have been deeply involved in this strategic effort.

"Sherronne Moore has had some discussions with new general manager, Sean McGee, who is kind of spearheading the NIL recruiting movement for Michigan. He's been involved as well, but this has been mostly just, you know, kind of dinner table meetings about what Michigan can offer from a financial standpoint," Holland added.

Holland further emphasized:

"Sherrone Moore has been the one that's kind of been leading the charge when it comes to Bryce Underwood. And I think, yeah, they will. They'll go against their nature. It looks like that's kind of the plan right now to do something that Michigan hasn't historically done."

With less than two months before the early signing period, Michigan is all-in on the effort to land Bryce Underwood, whose projected NIL earnings could be among the highest in 2025.

Michigan intensifies push for five-star QB Bryce Underwood ahead of National Signing Day

For nearly 300 days, Bryce Underwood has been committed to LSU. But as early National Signing Day approaches in five weeks, Michigan is intensifying its pursuit of the talented Belleville quarterback.

Boosters, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, have stepped in to support Michigan's NIL efforts. Portnoy recently expressed his willingness to allocate $1-3 million annually to secure a top-tier quarterback for Michigan.

A deciding factor in Underwood’s LSU commitment has been his strong relationship with Tigers offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. With both LSU and Michigan bolstering their recruiting efforts, sources expect that Underwood will ultimately make a “football decision.”

As his father, Jaquan, explained (via On3):

“The money is going to come when he’s just living his dreams. I don’t want to get it twisted, money is a huge deal. At the same time again, man, it’s about Bryce being able to turn his dreams into goals. So whatever field he goes in football, sports, man, I’m great with it as long as long as he’s happy.”

This season, Underwood has proven his skill, throwing for 3,329 yards with 41 touchdowns, completing 64.9% of his passes, and recording only three interceptions.