The Michigan Wolverines scored a massive victory on the recruiting trail last week, landing five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Underwood is the top-ranked player in the nation for the Class of 2025.
The Belleville, Michigan native, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan in a move that reverberated throughout the college football world.
Underwood had been committed to LSU and head coach Brian Kelly for months before announcing his change of heart last Thursday.
Reports suggest Michigan’s efforts to secure the elite recruit included a lucrative NIL package worth $10 million, potentially increasing to $12 million by the time he finishes his career in Ann Arbor. (What a world, huh?)
While Michigan ultimately prevailed, FOX Sports college football insider Bruce Feldman revealed that former Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh’s lack of emphasis on Underwood initially put Michigan way behind in the race.
“Underwood grew up a Michigan fan, but former head coach Jim Harbaugh ‘really did not pursue him like other schools did,'” the report stated.
The Wolverines surged back into contention after Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL.
Feldman credited Michigan’s Associate Athletic Director for Football, Sean Magee, for repairing and strengthening the program’s relationship with Underwood.
Magee, who previously worked in the Chicago Bears’ front office, played a pivotal role alongside new head coach Sherrone Moore.
“After Harbaugh left for the NFL, (Michigan’s Associate Athletic Director for Football) Sean Magee, who had been in the front office for the Chicago Bears, came back to Michigan,” Feldman said.
“He works with the GM, and worked really, really hard to build and repair the relationship with Underwood. And he made him a priority, as did (current coach) Sherrone Moore.”
Another key factor in Underwood’s decision was Michigan alum and NFL legend Tom Brady.
Feldman noted that Zoom calls with the seven-time Super Bowl champion played a crucial role in building a bond with the young quarterback.
“Another big piece to this flip was a lot of Zoom calls that he had with football legend and Michigan alum Tom Brady, who has become a really good resource for Bryce Underwood,” Feldman added.
Underwood’s commitment marks a major milestone for Michigan as the Wolverines continue to build for the future under Moore.
As we know, this season has been a bit of a disaster for Moore and company. In many ways, the program – and in particular Moore – needed to flip Underwood.
Although this coming Saturday could get quite ugly in Columbus, the Wolverines will still feel good about themselves as they look ahead to the future.
What are your thoughts on Underwood’s decision to “stay home” and flip his commitment to the Wolverines?
It’s clear that if Harbaugh stayed in Ann Arbor, Underwood’s commitment almost certainly would have never come … But does Big Jim know something the rest of Michigan doesn’t when it comes to Underwood???
