Michigan upped the ante in order to get five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood to flip his LSU commitment. It was reported that the Sherrone Moore-led program have matched LSU’s NIL package for the No. 1 QB of the 2025 class and their offer may even go close to double the $5 million he is reportedly set to make. But LSU holds the belief that Underwood won’t be swayed, given his connection to the program, especially his liking for the team’s offense. But a new update about the team’s offense could be a game-changer in this saga.

While other teams have their eye on the national championship head coach, Sherrone Moore and his staff are running behind Underwood. And it is not difficult to understand why. The Wolverines have faced a serious quarterback problem this season, and they are trying to resolve it by signing the best in the country. However, they still do not have any commits in the position in their 2025 class.

Many believe that Underwood will remain committed to LSU despite the Wolverines’ efforts, as he shares a great bond with coaches. He has even mentioned the same thing. But his destiny may depend on a possible big change at LSU. Michigan insiders John D’Adamo and T. J. Ronin discussed Underwood’s future and had an interesting LSU update.

“One of the biggest reasons… Bryce Underwood has interest in LSU is Joe Sloan. He has been offered the head coaching position at ECU, which is his former college; he’s an alumni of ECU, and by some accounts the interest is real,” Ronin said on Michigan at The Voice of College Football.

East Carolina is on the lookout for a new coach after parting ways with Mike Houston following a 3-4 start. The program had a dismal 2-10 record last year and has lost four of its last five games this year. On the other hand, Sloan, LSU’s offensive coordinator has seen his stock rise with the job done at the Tigers.

Sloan was promoted as LSU’s OC in December after Mike Denbrock left for Notre Dame. Since then, he helped Jayden Daniels develop into a Heisman-winning QB and made progress with Garrett Nussmeier this year. He is also seen as a top recruiter, securing Underwood’s commitment early this year. Moreover, LSU is still top-30 nationally in yards per play despite losing several NFL Draft picks. So it would make sense for ECU to consider him in the head coach position.

Sloan was awarded a new contract by LSU earlier this year, which increased his yearly compensation from $650,000 to an average of $1 million per year for a contract that runs through 2026. ECU has the financial muscle to offer Sloan more than what he will make at LSU, as demonstrated by their $2.4 million salary for Houston, which ranked third in the conference. If they want LSU to part ways with their impressive OC, they will have to fork out a similar sum.

That’s good news for Michigan fans, as it raises the possibility of Underwood possibly decommitting to LSU. Sounding positive  “I’m going to tell you guys right now if this progresses in that direction and Sloan does go to ECU, my confidence level’s going up.  It’s probably going up to the 75-80% range and to be real with you, it may even be a checkmate.”

Talking about ECU’s interest, he added, “It’s a major deal and apparently ECU is very ambitious here with trying to land Sloan…They’re already making moves and the fact that Sloan is their target and he’s the biggest draw for Underwood, he’s one of the biggest reasons why Underwood loves LSU. This is a game-changer.” 

Underwood’s interest in LSU has been driven by its strong NFL preparatory program. “The development for me as a quarterback to prepare myself for the NFL is what mattered… A relatable offense is a big thing as well,” he told Sports Illustrated. In fact, last Saturday, Steve Wiltfong of On3 Recruits mentioned that his commitment to LSU remains strong.

 “I think that there’s full confidence that he’s solid in his pledge. He’s going to be back at LSU for the Alabama game for his official visit this next weekend and he’s still in regular communication with the commits that are in that talented LSU class that ranks number three nationally. Loves the offense, the tradition.  He always saw himself at LSU even before uh his process started,” Wiltfong said. But if Sloan moves to ECU, that would completely change the picture.

John D’Adamo further discussed the percentage of Underwood’s chances if Sloan commits to ESU: “If Joe Sloan uh leaves ESU and goes to ECU uh for a head coaching job, we might be going from 65 to up to 69% nice and then up.”  Ronin joined and added, “I’ll probably be at 80 if that happens; I’m going to be, and I’m going to get high higher too for sure.”

Underwood has not given any updates on his decision as of now, but his decision could depend on what happens between Sloan and ECU. Nonetheless, the latest update around LSU’s OC offers hope to Michigan fans.

Sherrone Moore addresses Underwood rumors and university vision

Currently, Michigan stands at 5-4. The defending champions have not delivered their best so far. This Saturday, they lost to Oregon by 38-17. Sherrone Moore has tried starting with more than two quarterbacks this season. Yes! They are the only team to do so. Hence, their relentless pursuit of Underwood is understandable.

On Monday, HC spoke on Underwood’s flip rumors and highlighted that recruits could see the big picture as they visit the university. “We’ll be fine… Obviously I can’t talk about recruits, but we’ve been, it’s been — I think they see the atmosphere. I think they see what has happened. I think they understand the vision that we explain to them and what this is going to be like, and they — it’s been pretty positive. We’ve gotten got some good commitments, got some good guys to join the family and look to continue that trend.”

It seems we will only have a final answer on Underwood’s future when the QB himself makes an announcement. Till then, the plot thickens with LSU and Michigan in a tug of war.

Now the big question is: will Underwood still choose LSU even if Sloan decides to leave the Tigers?