Michigan makes stunning $10.5 million NIL offer to flip No. 1 QB recruit Bryce Underwood from LSU

On By Littum

Some professional athletes wish they could get some of that NIL money.

Michigan offers 2025 No. 1 recruit and LSU quarterback commit Bryce Underwood a $10.5 million NIL, Image and Likeness (NIL) offer over four years to switch his allegiance, according to On3.

LSU boosters remain hopeful that Underwood will follow through on his promise, according to the report.

Bryce Underwood is the No. 1 recruit in the country. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Underwood, perhaps leaning into the news, posted a photo of an LSU player with a No. 2 pendant to his Instagram story Thursday morning.

College recruiting has changed in the NIL era, where all the shady behind-the-scenes deals are now openly discussed.

The “haves” programs like Michigan are able to flex their financial might and sign some of the players in the country just by throwing money their way.

Underwood is one of those “throw all the money at him” players.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound dual-threat Belleville (Mich.) quarterback seemingly could help lift either the Wolverines or Tigers back to true national title contenders next season.

He earned MaxPreps’ national appointment as newcomer of the year in 2021 and has 69 touchdown passes to five interceptions along with 10 rushing touchdowns over the last two years, according to the website.

Underwood is committed to LSU — for now. David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan is coming off a down year under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore after last year’s national title, while LSU has been very good but not elite under Brian Kelly.

Although he hails from Michigan, Underwood officially committed to LSU in January, according to 247.

However, a verbal commitment is not a signature, and Michigan could try to flip Underwood until he officially puts pen to paper next month.

Sherrone Moore has not lived up to expectations in Year 1. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

LSU has not disclosed his NIL offer, but those involved with the program are optimistic after his official visit to Baton Rouge last weekend for the 42-13 loss to Alabama.

Underwood cited LSU’s history of developing quarterbacks — Heisman winners Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels are recent examples — earlier this year while discussing why he chose LSU.

Brian Kelly coached the reigning Heisman winner. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

A juicy element in this recruiting battle, former Michigan employee Connor Stalions, the alleged mastermind behind the cheating scandal, is a assistant at Belleville.

“From everything we’ve heard between the LSU side and the Underwood family, things went as well as they could have,” 247’s LSU insider Shea Dixon said, according to the report. “There does not appear to be any panic from LSU sources as Bryce and his family continue to stay on track with the staff regarding his commitment and decision to sign on Dec. 4.

The photo Underwood posted on her Instagram Story on Thursday. @19bryce.__/Instagram

“Following Underwood’s departure, LSU sources have the same confidence throughout recent weeks as Michigan’s push increased.”

The $10.5 million ($2.625 million per year) offer would be among the highest in college sports, tied with Colorado star quarterback and potential 2025 No. 1 NFL Draft pick Shedeur Sanders ($6.2 million) , influencer and LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and prodigy quarterback Arch Manning ($3.1 million), per On3.