The Michigan Wolverines are making a strong push to recruit Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025. Underwood, a standout player for Belleville in Michigan, is currently committed to LSU but Michigan is offering him a significant amount of NIL money in an attempt to sway him to join their program. They are reportedly offering him $10.5 million over four years, a substantial sum that demonstrates the impact of NIL funds on college recruitment. Underwood’s commitment to LSU is currently verbal, leaving the door open for other schools to try to lure him away before he signs his official letter of intent next month.
While LSU has not disclosed their NIL offer for Underwood, it is clear that they are capable of making a competitive offer given their financial resources. Michigan’s program, under the leadership of Sherrone Moore, is not having as much success as they did in their national championship-winning season, and they see Underwood as a potential game-changer for them. Underwood’s impressive stats on the field make him an enticing prospect for any program, and Michigan is willing to go to great lengths to secure his commitment and potentially turn their season around.
The impact of NIL funds on college recruitment is evident in the efforts being made to secure players like Underwood. Schools are now able to offer significant financial incentives to top recruits, potentially changing the landscape of college football. Underwood’s decision, which is expected to be finalized when he signs his letter of intent next month, will be closely watched as a reflection of the power of NIL money in recruiting. Michigan’s strong pursuit of Underwood is a clear example of the lengths to which programs are willing to go to secure top talent and improve their chances of success on the field.
Underwood has already shown some allegiance to LSU with an Instagram post, but the allure of significant NIL money from Michigan could potentially sway his decision. With his impressive performance on the field and status as the consensus top recruit in his class, Underwood has the potential to make a major impact at whichever program he chooses. Schools like Michigan are recognizing the value of top recruits like Underwood and are prepared to invest heavily in their recruitment efforts to secure their commitment and improve their chances of success in the competitive world of college football. The use of NIL funds is changing the game of college recruitment and creating new opportunities for players and programs alike.