"What sort of push did you make?": LSU insider takes a dig at Michigan Wolverines' rumors to flip 5-star QB Bryce Underwood

By Aman Sharma

Modified Oct 31, 2024 13:29 GMT

Rumors have been swirling around Michigan’s pursuit of the nation’s top 2025 recruit, quarterback Bryce Underwood. The No. 1 prospect hails from Belleville, Michigan, just 30 minutes drive from Ann Arbor.

Reports, such as one from On3's Pete Nakos, indicate that Michigan has extended a substantial name, image and likeness offer aimed at securing Underwood. The package, reportedly valued at over $5 million across three to four years, demonstrates Michigan’s strong interest in attracting the talented five-star quarterback.

However, LSU Tigers insider Shea Dixon cast doubt on Michigan’s chances of swaying Bryce Underwood away from his LSU commitment, which he made earlier in January.

On On3 Recruits' YouTube channel, Dixon noted Michigan’s lack of recent interaction with the star recruit. He pointed out that Underwood has not visited Michigan’s campus in over a year, despite being within a 30-minute radius.

"I think as we monitor this with a No. 1 recruit and kind of a discussion that you would expect to happen from a school like Michigan, where a five-star No. 1 player is 30 minutes away and has not visited your campus in more than a year," Dixon said. "What sort of push did you make to actually try to get him flipped?"

In addition to NIL considerations, Dixon suggested Michigan’s offensive program may not offer the same level of development as LSU’s. He highlighted the appeal of LSU’s coaching and system, saying:

"Why did he pick LSU over Michigan in the first place? And it was development. It was all of the things he talked about on 3 Elite in terms of his long term future, throwing the football, LSU's offense. And none of that has changed since he committed. If anything, Jane Daniels went out and became the best rookie in the NFL this year." (16:58)

Michigan’s last-minute push to flip top QB Bryce Underwood from LSU

Michigan Wolverine insider EJ Holland also weighed in, confirming that Michigan’s NIL efforts involve figures such as new general manager Sean McGee and coach Sherrone Moore.

Holland described Michigan’s NIL approach for Bryce Underwood as more exploratory, explaining:

"Sherronne Moore has had some discussions, 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 a dinner table meetings about what Michigan can offer from a financial standpoint."

Though Michigan’s NIL efforts are robust, Bryce Underwood’s initial commitment to LSU was largely driven by his rapport with LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and the Tigers’ high-performing offense.

Sources suggest Underwood’s final decision will be “a football decision” rather than solely about financial offers. Jaquan Underwood, Bryce’s father, affirmed this focus, explaining:

“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.”

Bryce Underwood has put up exceptional stats this season, throwing for 3,329 yards with 41 touchdowns, completing 64.9% of passes, and recording only three interceptions.