Bryce Underwood is a prospect who has brewed fresh discussions on NIL in the college football world. The 5-star prospect’s initial commitment to a gradual shift in his commitment ultimately led to him joining Michigan and was a jolt from the blue for LSU. This was a move Michigan football has been looking after for some time now. Someone who could be an actual replacement for the stalwart J.J. McCarthy. Bryce Underwood has all the traits and potential to be just that.

A five-star prospect who broke into the CFB recruiting scene on the back of his high school freshman year. After throwing for 3,000 yards and 39 touchdowns for Belleville, Michigan, the CFB giants were beaming down at him with awe. This will be a player they would keep an eye on and who would initially sign for LSU. Why LSU? A dream to step into the shoes of Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman in 2023 and had an incredible year with LSU passing for 3,812 yards and rushing for 1,1347 yards. However, Michigan came calling, and Bryce fell for the charm of his in-state team.

A flip that reportedly involved Oracle founder Larry Ellison, former Michigan defensive analyst Connor Stalions who was OC at his high school, and most of all, a $10.5 million NIL deal. Michigan has now got their guy after an intense battle and will be looking to build the team around him. However, whether he will start in the first year or not is not yet confirmed. Michigan has Davis Warren and Fresno State transfer quarterback Mikey Keene. The host of ‘ROC Boys Football’ provided Underwood’s development and scenario where he is coming to be the top QB in CFB right now.

“Bryce has done plenty of pressers too. I mean, that is what he says as well. All the feedback you’re getting around Bryce Underwood is that this kid is all business since he’s gotten to Ann Arbor. He’s extremely physically developed. Chip Lindsey said he’s 220 plus you know, 6’4″ 220 lbs plus. Now, he’s listed only at 208 lbs, but you look at him and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s pushing 220 pounds.” 

Well, Bryce Underwood will undoubtedly be a phenomenal player for the Wolverines going into just his true freshman year. Given his build and high school play, he will be someone who has the potential to reach the levels of Cam Newton or Jayden Daniels. His rushing game could be developed much more, which is still pronounced quite well. Then, the level of pocket presence the guy possesses is on a whole other level.

But that’s not all. The best part about having a QB like Underwood is his ceiling. “He’s a guy that [with who] you can do just about anything in offense… There are things that you can ask Bryce to do that you couldn’t ask Davis Warren to do, and I think it starts with what he can do as an athlete, incorporating him into the run game,” the host of ROC Boys Football added.

A player who can push the ball in all three zones with his incredible arm strength, which wasn’t quite the case with Davis Warren. The cherry on top? He is just 17 years old and won’t even turn 20 until he hits his third year in college. With all these points, he has an incredible road ahead of him. Moreover, there’s another good news for him from his OC, Chip Lindsey.

Chip Lindsey clears his stance on QB1 for Michigan?

We all know the season Michigan had last year, where Sherrone Moore had to cycle through three different QBs only to see his main one, Davis Warren, being injured in the ReliaQuest Bowl game. The other two? Well, Jack Tuttle has retired. Alex Orji is off to Nevada. That leaves Bryce Underwood in a good contention to be the QB1. Chip Lindsey also praised Bryce Underwood’s abilities and provided his pick for QB1.

When asked about his choice of QB1 and especially about Underwood, Michigan OC Chip Lindsey looked to be in utter awe of his 5-star talent. “If he’s ready to go, he’ll play, If not, we’ll have somebody else ready to play. But so far, I love his approach. He’s all business, man. He loves football. That’s the most important thing. And he really wants to be the best player he can be. He wants people to push him. One of the things we’ve talked about was, ‘Whatever your dreams are, your aspirations, they’re gonna be mine. My goal is to help you reach those things. Whatever it takes.’ And I think that’s what his attitude is. He’s a team-first guy“.

Well, that is quite optimistic and cheerful news for Bryce Underwood. Why would a college spend close to $10.5 million just to make him the QB2? Also, it isn’t like Bryce can’t perform. His athleticism and ability to dodge defenders on the run and even in the pocket are a delight to watch. During the 2023 season, he led his high school to a 13-1 season, and an appearance in the Division 1 championship. He threw for 3,329 yards for 44 TDs and just 3 interceptions.

The record surely backs Underwood. The stats also scream as the player being the QB1. Then, the coaches also have faith in him. The only thing remaining is to see from the player himself. That we will see in the ongoing spring practices.