Michigan Wolverines Land Five-Star QB Bryce Underwood in Stunning Recruitment Move
The Michigan Wolverines pulled off one of the most remarkable recruiting wins in recent memory, securing a commitment from Bryce Underwood, the top-ranked five-star quarterback in the 2025 class, and flipping him from LSU. The story behind this recruitment is as wild as it gets, with Michigan alum and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the deal went down.
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Dave Portnoy revealed that the Wolverines' pursuit of Underwood began during an episode of the Barstool College Football Show, where he vented about Michigan’s football struggles. What started as a frustration-filled rant soon turned into something far more serious. In a bold move, Portnoy offered to contribute upwards of $3 million in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) funds to bring in a quarterback with star potential.
The conversation quickly snowballed, leading to a Zoom call with Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, whose wife, Jolin, is a Michigan alum. Jolin shared Portnoy’s frustration with Michigan’s football decline, which had seen the program underperform since the Brady Hoke era. This passionate exchange seemed to strike a chord, and from there, the wheels of recruitment were set in motion.
Rumors of a massive $10 million-plus NIL deal began circulating, fueling social media speculation. At one point, Underwood himself seemed to shut down the whispers, posting on Instagram that he wasn’t likely to take the deal, leading many to believe LSU would retain their prized recruit. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when NFL insider and Michigan alum Adam Schefter broke the news: Bryce Underwood was flipping to Michigan.
After the announcement, Michigan’s NIL collective, Champions Circle, credited the Ellisons for their pivotal role in the recruitment process. With a net worth of $232 billion, Ellison ranks as the second-richest person in the world, trailing only Elon Musk. The Ellisons’ involvement in the deal showcased Michigan’s commitment to staying competitive in the new era of college football, where NIL plays an increasingly central role in recruitment.
With Underwood now set to lead Michigan’s future, the Wolverines have made a bold statement about their willingness to invest in top-tier talent. This move not only secures one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the country but also solidifies Michigan’s position as a major player in the modern college football landscape, ready to compete for greatness both on the field and in the NIL era.
Photo: Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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