No. 1 college football recruit flips commitment from LSU to Michigan in shocking move

In a shocking turn of events in the college football recruitment world, Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect according to ESPN 300, made a surprising decision to flip his commitment from LSU to Michigan. The star quarterback from Belleville High School in Michigan, just a half hour away from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, announced the news with a video on his Instagram story, captioning it “Hometown Hero.”

Michigan reportedly went all out to secure Underwood’s commitment, even offering him a substantial amount of NIL money over four years, a move that is unprecedented for a player who has yet to play a college snap. This offer, along with the proximity to his home, played a significant role in Underwood’s decision to choose Michigan over LSU.

Underwood’s commitment to Michigan is historic, as he becomes the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history and coach Sherrone Moore’s top recruit in his inaugural class. Moore took over as Michigan’s head coach after Jim Harbaugh left to coach the Los Angeles Chargers following the team’s national title run in 2023.

The early signing period for high school athletes is approaching, and Underwood’s decision to commit to Michigan is a major win for the Wolverines. His signing on December 4th will mark a significant moment for the program, as he will be the first No. 1 overall recruit to sign with Michigan since Rashan Gary in 2016.

The landscape of college football recruiting is evolving, with NIL money playing a significant role in attracting top talent to programs. Michigan’s successful pursuit of Underwood is a prime example of how universities can leverage their financial resources to secure commitments from elite recruits.

As recruiting continues to be impacted by NIL deals, programs like Michigan are showcasing their ability to compete for top talent on a national scale. Underwood’s decision to choose Michigan over LSU highlights the changing dynamics of college football recruiting and the increasing influence of financial incentives in securing commitments from top prospects.