“I don’t think Bryce Underwood would be considering Michigan at all if there weren’t a big NIL offer on the table, which is, you know, kind of sad. I think Michigan has really prided itself on players that want to be at Michigan. But desperate times and desperate times call for desperate measures”. This rather defeatist statement from one of the Wolverines’ biggest fans and insiders is resounding. Transformative, not transactional, has been Michigan’s M.O. when it comes to recruiting the best prospects in the country. Within a year of being national champs, the program is sitting at 5-5, with 3 QBs played through the season and none committed for next year. Michigan (5-5) have been unwavering in their pursuit of the nation’s no.1 recruit Bryce Underwood. However, one insider believes the player on whom the program and fellow fans have pinned their hopes is drifting away.

This is despite the school letting up on its aversion to NIL. Bryce Underwood has been offered the most lucrative contract ever. EJ Holland, On3 recruitment specialist on All Things Michigan, still does not believe they’ll get their man. In a recruiting Q&A on “The Wolverine” YouTube channel, Holland discussed the status of Bryce’s pursuit. Since his official visit to Tiger Stadium on Saturday, fans were eager to know if the tide had changed. The update wasn’t what they’d hoped for. “Until [Bryce] signs with LSU, it appears Michigan is not going to back down on the NIL front. My confidence level remains pretty much the same as it’s always remained, 35%, and like I said, with LSU getting some confidence [after this weekend’s official visit], maybe a little bit lower”. 

Bryce witnessed LSU’s brutal beatdown by Alabama in the flesh. Many would’ve expected him to have cause for concern and perhaps be deterred. Even reconsider his commitment with so many suitors circling. Yet, Holland believed the visit to be a fruitful one in the eyes of both parties. Optimism around the Big House is flailing. The yearning for their savior is translating to even higher digits than what’s being reported.

“Michigan is very desperate for a solution at the quarterback position. Head Coach Sherrone Moore is personally leading this recruitment…I am here telling you that the [NIL] number is actually around ten and a half million. So 10.5 million is what I’ve heard now. That is over four years. Obviously, [it] would take some adjusting if Bryce was a 3-and-out player”, claimed Holland. So why is Moore failing to lure Bryce to Ann Arbor?

One member of staff holds the keys in the battle for Bryce

Michigan has had a poor season by all accounts. From 5-5, even salvaging eligibility is not definitive, with Ohio State still on the schedule. However, the Tigers aren’t exactly roaring, either. After the loss this weekend, LSU is now all but out of CFP contention.And, of course, Michigan is offering more remuneration. The choice perhaps comes down to one member of the Tigers’ staff.

Joe Sloan is a vital piece in the puzzle. The Tigers’ OC was the key in recruiting Bryce Underwood to LSU and having him commit. Recently, there have been murmurs of him moving on from the Tigers to newer pastures. This was concerning in terms of onboarding Bryce, but Sloan seems to be staying put. That’s a huge factor in deciding Bryce’s final landing spot. As for Michigan, they’re running out of time and ideas.

In an attempt to bolster their NIL capability, Michigan has tied up with “Passes”. The partnership is going to pump millions into various collegiate sports and athletes at the university. This venture is viewed as a progressive step in the fans’ experience on game days and beyond. Those fans will be hoping to see Bryce Underwood under center next season.