How Michigan flipped star QB Bryce Underwood from LSU

The college football world was rocked by huge recruiting news earlier this week when it was revealed that Bryce Underwood, one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation, had flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan.

If Underwood does end up at Michigan, it will be a major coup for the Wolverines and first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, as his team has floundered through a mediocre season due in part to inconsistent quarterback play. It will also keep a local completely at home.

(Related: Top high school recruit Bryce Underwood returns to Michigan)

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback played at Belleville High School, which is about 15 miles east of Ann Arbor. But he told LSU nearly a year ago that he intended to play there.

And even as rumors surfaced that Michigan was pursuing him with renewed purpose, Underwood appeared to remain committed to LSU. He and his family even wore LSU jewelry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earlier this month when Alabama beat the Tigers 42-13.

Still, things changed in recent weeks, and FOX Sports college football insider Bruce Feldman stopped by the “Big Noon Kickoff” on Saturday to break it all down.

“(Underwood) had been committed to LSU for almost a year,” Feldman said. “The progress sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world.”

Underwood grew up a Michigan fan, but Feldman said former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh “really didn’t pursue him like other schools did.”

So how did Michigan get back into the mix? Feldman outlined two key factors on the show.

First, the head coach made Underwood a priority and he got some help from a key staff member.

“After Harbaugh left for the NFL, (Michigan’s Associate Athletic Director for Football) Sean Magee, who had been in the front office for the Chicago Bears, came back to Michigan,” Feldman said. “He works with the GM and worked really, really hard to build and repair the relationship with Underwood. And he made him a priority, just like Sherrone Moore did.”

Second, Michigan enlisted the help of a legendary alum, none other than Tom Brady.

“Another big part of this flip (from LSU to Michigan) was a lot of Zoom calls that he had with football legend and Michigan alum Tom Brady, who has become a really good resource for Bryce Underwood.” Feldman said.

Feldman said flipping Underwood could create recruiting momentum for Michigan, which entered this weekend with a 5-5 record.

“Now that Underwood is in the fold, don’t be surprised if a bunch more blue-chippers turn to Ann Arbor and join the Wolverines,” Feldman said.

Michigan’s 2025 class currently ranks No. 9 in the nation and no. 3 in the Big Ten, according to 247 composite scores.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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