The battle for Bryce Underwood’s loyalty rages on! After all, who wouldn’t want to recruit the nation’s top overall player and No. 1 QB of the 2025 class? LSU have remained confident about securing Underwood to their ranks, who committed to them back in January, but Michigan have upped the ante by reportedly offering a NIL package that is on par with what LSU. So will the Wolverines be successful in their pursuit?

With just over a month to go before the Early Signing Period, Michigan and Sherrone Moore are going all in for Underwood. For a program that has struggled with their QB position this season, it is easy to understand why. Apart from the big NIL offer, Michigan have been reported to have reconnected with Underwood’s family in the hope sway him away. But it appears his connection with LSU is strong enough to give in to any temptation.

Steve Wiltfong talked about Michigan’s pursuit of Underwood on On3 Recruits on Saturday.  He said, “[Michigan’s] obviously been pushing for him since he committed to LSU in January but I think those talks have intensified over the last month or so. There’s some hope around the Michigan program that they can make a move with Bryce Underwood late here.” 

According to a report by On3, Underwood is expected to land an NIL package of more than $5 million over three or four years. But Michigan have the financial muscle to push for a similar deal while Michigan alum and Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy said last month he would contribute $3 million to get a top-tier quarterback for the program.

However, Wiltfong added that LSU are confident of Underwood’s commitment. “But on the Baton Rouge side, on the LSU side you know, 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.”

Back in March, Underwood’s father, Jaquan said that his son continues to receive offers from other programs, but clarified that he won’t be entertaining them and won’t take any trips outside of his visit to see the Tigers.

Bryce Underwood committed to Brian Kelly and the Tigers earlier on January 6. As of now, he remains a hard commit to LSU football and given the relationship he has with the program, it’s not hard to see why. LSU OC Joe Sloan is taking advantage of their bye week and was in attendance at their blue chip commit’s high school playoff game. It was a game where Underwood scored six TDs in the first half to lead Belleville to a blowout 68-0 win on Friday night.

Apart from the program’s continued interest in Underwood, the reason the top QB recruit initially chose the program was for their 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.

But none of this seems to deter Michigan. In fact, apart from  Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines coaching staff actively pursuing Underwood, their top WR commit, Andrew Marsh is also making efforts to get Underwood to flip his commitment.

According to Sam Webb, the host of the Michigan Insider, Marsh met with Underwood during Belleville’s game against Howell on October 25. Talking about Underwood, Martin mentioned, “He’s someone I would love to play with and go win a championship with.” 

The Michigan Wolverines are not giving up just yet and if they manage to land Underwood, they might have an added bonus.

Michigan could get another LSU commit if Underwood joins

Right now, Michigan ranks No. 12 in the 2025 recruiting class which includes 5-star OT Andrew Babalola. Despite LSU’s assurance in retaining Underwood’s commitment, according to Wiltfong, “There’s some confidence around the program(Michigan) that there’s people that feel that they can get it done.”

Considering their persistent QB problem, it would be a huge win for them to flip Underwood’s commitment. And if they manage to get Underwood, LSU commit Derek Meadows, a 2025 wide receiver could follow him there. A Bishop Gorman prospect, Meadows is ranked no. 80 nationwide and 11th in WR rankings.

According to Michigan’s TJ Ronin, “Derek Meadows is the receiver that is apparently attached to Bryce Underwood and he would only come, from my understanding, he, it’s a package deal. It’s one of those where if Underwood comes to Michigan, he wants to come to Michigan.”

Thus the Underwood deal, if Michigan can pull it off, will not only solve the QB problem for Moore’s team but also give them a top addition on the WR position. Despite their struggles, the Wolverines remain an enticing proposition and the coming days will really test Underwood’s loyalty to LSU.