When Belleville High’s Bryce Underwood, the No.1 quarterback in the 2025 class, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan this week, the college football world did a collective double-take. This move left the entire Baton Rouge in total shambles. But let’s be real for a second now—this wasn’t just a feel-good, hometown-kid story. It was cold, real cold, hard cash talkin’. Michigan isn’t playing checkers in the NIL game—they’re playing chess with a stack of gold pieces. And the mastermind? It’s head coach Sherrone Moore who did the trick with the help of tech mogul billionaire’s dough.

Bryce Underwood: A $10 million flex

Bryce Underwood’s decision to commit to Michigan did not arise out of love for his hometown. But by pure business decision. Bagging Bryce Underwood, so far, is the best win of the season for off-beat Michigan. Michigan, led by Sherrone Moore, literally broke a bank for this kid with a $10 million worth of NIL offer. This kinda money had Bryce Underwood flip faster than a switch. All thanks to the Oracle Co-founder and second-richest dude in the world, Larry Ellison. Apparently, this dude is all-in on Michigan football because of his partner. Talk about cute relationship goals. With Ellison’s finance, the Wolverines are now flexing a borrowed financial muscle that even makes SEC teams act salty in no time.

According to Michigan Insider James T. Yoder, Michigan’s NIL strategy isn’t just bold and innovative—it’s borderline diabolical. Starting in 2025, the Wolverines are expected to have a $50 million NIL chest. You heard it right! While other programs are figuring out how to split $20 million among all sports, Michigan plans to cash in half of theirs to football alone. And here’s the kicker part for you: every player on the team will pocket at least $150k annually, despite the number of stars besides their name.

Ellison’s influence is more than financial—it’s personal. Apparently, his partner, a Michigan alum, has a serious grudge against Ohio State and a soft spot for Rose Bowl victories. So, naturally, it does make sense. But this man has gone to extreme heights on this. His deep pocket not only locked down Bryce Underwood but also paved a new path for Michigan to potentially bag 3 or 4 more 5-star recruits by signing day. The strange irony is that every top program is busy with securing a playoff spot or grieving about missing the playoff (lol Alabama), while all this is taking place in bright, broad daylight.

Gaming the NIL system

Starting in 2025, all Power 4 programs must allocate 22% of athletic department revenue—or $20 million—to player revenue splits. Michigan made the best out of the situation and played it to its advantage, earmarking $10 million for football alone while pulling in private funds to outspend every competition. It’s a calculated move designed to lure in top talents in the nation, with NIL packages rumored to hit $1.5 million for their key transfers. Now, it’s only a matter of time before Michigan resembles an NCAA 25-story mode team.

The rumor has it saying Michigan planned to lock in 12 starters in the upcoming transfer portal window, which opens December 9. They are literally following the blueprint of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) by making a big money splash and attracting top athletes into their program. The Wolverines aren’t just trying to complete—they’re forging a dynasty. And if that means offering million-dollar contracts to recruits and transfers, so be it; no problem.

Michigan’s strategy is as clear as it is ferocious: dominate the NIL market share and force everyone else to play catch-up game. While other programs are still figuring out the NIL landscape, the Wolverines are already playing by their own rules. They’re leveraging their resources and connections to lure top talent, turning college football into a high-stakes bidding war. Well, it’s a bold move that could reshape the future of college athletics. But as the NCAA continues to grapple with NIL regulations, Michigan’s aggressive approach could face scrutiny. For now, though, the Wolverines are flexing their financial muscle and setting the pace for college football. Michigan’s approach sends a clear message: in college football, money talks. And right now, Michigan is shouting from the rooftops.