LSU may have landed an early commitment from highly sought-after quarterback Bryce Underwood in January, but the battle for the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class is far from over.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the Michigan Wolverines are making a strong push to lure Underwood, matching LSU’s offer with a competitive NIL package designed to rival what the Tigers have already offered.
“Michigan has offered Underwood a competitive NIL package on par with what LSU has presented,” Nakos reported, hinting at a fierce competition between the two programs to attract the five-star quarterback.
This is “the most well-funded Michigan NIL operation since the NIL Era began in July 2021,” Nakos added.
There is speculation that the aggressive push to up the NIL ante is thanks in large part to Barstool’s Dave Portnoy.
The famous Michigan alum previously promised to contribute up to $3 million to help ensure the Wolverines always have a top-10 quarterback on the roster each season.
Underwood is expected to finalize his college choice after weighing both financial and developmental factors.
His priority, as he emphasized post-commitment to LSU, remains securing an environment that will best prepare him for a career in the NFL.
“The development for me as a quarterback to prepare myself for the NFL is what mattered for me,” Underwood previously told ESPN. “Also, having a relatable offense that I’m getting into is a big thing as well.”
With NFL-ready player development as a focal point, LSU has pointed to the recent success of quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, as evidence of their strength in grooming pro-level talent.
While he didn’t spend his entire college career in Baton Rouge, the NFL success of Joe Burrow certainly helps as well.
Michigan’s recruitment tactics this season underscore its commitment to NIL as a key strategy.
According to Nakos, Michigan sources have confirmed that the current fundraising effort aimed at enticing a high-profile quarterback represents a new, aggressive approach for the program.
There’s no doubt that Michigan’s struggles at the position this season have helped add a little extra urgency to the approach.
Over eight games, Michigan has rotated three different starters: Davis Warren, Alex Orji, and Jack Tuttle, who was forced to retire early due to medical reasons.
Most recently, Michigan returned to Warren in their win over Michigan State, highlighting the importance of finding a long-term solution at quarterback.
For Underwood, currently completing his senior season at Belleville High School in Michigan, the Wolverines’ renewed interest and substantial NIL resources add yet another layer to his decision-making process.
With impressive stats – 1,477 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and just one interception, plus 427 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries – Underwood’s potential has elite programs vying for his (permanent) commitment.
What are your thoughts on Michigan’s reported offer to Underwood?
At the end of the day, where will he end up? … Will the Wolverines snatch him away from Brian Kelly and the Tigers???