Belleville 5-star QB, nation’s top recruit, flips commitment to Michigan from LSU

Michigan football has secured a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class.

Belleville five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood flipped his verbal pledge from LSU to the Wolverines Thursday night in a historic moment for Michigan on the recruiting trail.

Underwood’s decision that he posted on Instagramcomes amid Michigan’s public push to pry him away from the Tigers over the past month.

Multiple recruiting services reported that the Wolverines had bumped NIL offers into the millions. Underwood posted on his Instagram page last week a graphic of him in LSU gear, saying he would “probably turn down Michigan’s $10.5M NIL offer.” Although he deleted the post soon after, many saw it as an indication that he would sign with the Tigers on National Signing Day, Dec. 4.

Underwood took an official visit to LSU on Nov. 8 when it faced Alabama, and many recruiting experts reported after the trip that they expected him to stay in the Tigers’ class. But LSU has lost three straight games to fall to 6-4 this season, and Michigan continued to recruit the top-ranked prospect nationally.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder was a four-year starter at Belleville, leading the team to three straight state title games, winning two. His senior season ended last week with a 35-21 loss to Detroit Catholic Central.

“YES Mister!” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore submitted shortly after Underwood’s announcement. “The best players in Michigan go to Michigan.”

Michigan’s passing game has struggled throughout 2024 and badly needed an infusion of talent at the position. The Wolverines lost a commitment from Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot four-star quarterback Carter Smith earlier this month, another indication they were all in on Underwood.

Underwood becomes the second five-star recruit for the Wolverines this cycle and 19th commit overall. By landing Underwood, Michigan’s class catapulted from No. 14 to no. 9 in the 247Sports Composite national rankings. Since the 247Sports Composite was launched in 2000, Underwood is the second No. 1 overall recruit committing to Michigan, joining defensive lineman Rashan Gary in 2016.

“Potential franchise signal caller with the ideal blend of size, arm talent and athleticism,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in his scouting report. “Continued to improve as a passer and become much more in tune with his mechanics. The biggest revelation in his final prep campaign, however, has been his ability to move the chains with his legs while building speed and eluding defenders as an open-field -runs with a frame that’s north of 6-foot-3 and pushes 215 pounds.Shows excellent pocket awareness for his age and isn’t one to panic when pressure builds schedule and hit his tracks with authority, showing the ability to not only challenge tight coverage windows with over-the-middle speed, but also throw with both touch and anticipation to the second and third levels.”

Underwood’s commitment comes one day after his teammate, 2025 four-star safety Elijah Dotson, flipped to Michigan from Pitt. The Wolverines now have four of the top five ranked players in the state this cycle.