In a surprising turn of events that shook the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the top-ranked prospect for the 2025 class, chose to commit to Louisiana State University (LSU) instead of Auburn University. This move was particularly unexpected, given Underwood’s ties to Michigan and the strong recruitment efforts by his home-state school.
Early Life and High School Career
Bryce Underwood was born on August 19, 2007, in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Belleville High School, where he quickly became a standout football player. As a freshman in 2021, he led his team to a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state title, throwing for 2,888 yards and 39 touchdowns with just four interceptions. His exceptional performance earned him the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year and the Michigan Associated Press Division 1-2 Player of the Year awards.
Underwood’s dominance continued into his sophomore year, where he passed for 2,762 yards and 37 touchdowns while rushing for 632 yards and eight touchdowns. He guided Belleville to an undefeated season and a second consecutive state championship, winning the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year honor. During his junior season, he threw for 3,329 yards and 44 touchdowns with only three interceptions, adding 199 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Though his team lost in the state championship game, Underwood’s accolades included the Michigan High School Football Player of the Year and Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year awards.
Recruitment Journey
As a five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class, Underwood received offers from several prestigious Division I programs, including LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, Penn State, and Michigan. On January 6, 2024, he initially committed to LSU, giving the Tigers a major recruiting victory.
However, Michigan’s efforts to land Underwood intensified, with the school offering him a massive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package reportedly valued at $10.5 million over four years. Additionally, NFL legend Tom Brady personally reached out to Underwood through FaceTime, building a connection that further influenced his decision. On November 21, 2024, Underwood flipped his commitment to Michigan, motivated by the financial incentives and the chance to play near home.
Impact on College Football
Underwood’s recruitment journey exemplifies the changing landscape of college football, where NIL opportunities now play a significant role in recruiting top talent. His decision to commit to Michigan, driven by substantial financial deals and personal connections, highlights the intense competition in modern recruiting. This shift has raised questions about the ethics of NIL deals and how they are shaping traditional recruitment practices.
To gain more insight into Bryce Underwood’s commitment and its implications, you can watch the interview here: LSU 5-star QB commit Bryce Underwood interview.