In recent years, name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have drastically reshaped the landscape of college football, and the Michigan Wolverines provided a striking example of this shift on Thursday. A report revealed that Michigan, the reigning national champions, were prepared to offer 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood a $10.5 million NIL deal to persuade him to switch his commitment from LSU to Michigan.
Underwood, the top-ranked player and quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, became the center of attention following the news. Despite the shockwave this caused among college football fans, the offer seemed to have little effect on Underwood himself. On Thursday night, the highly sought-after quarterback posted a silent but telling message on his Instagram story, sharing an image that implied he would decline the $10.5 million deal and remain committed to LSU.
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While Bryce Underwood’s cryptic Instagram post isn’t an outright confirmation or rejection, it strongly suggests that he’s not planning to flip his commitment from LSU anytime soon. If that holds true, it would be a blow for Michigan, but the bigger story here is the Wolverines’ aggressive approach to the quarterback market.
Earlier this season, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy pledged $3 million toward a Michigan quarterback, and now reports indicate the Wolverines are offering an eight-figure deal to a high school prospect. This shows they’re determined to land a top-tier quarterback in the offseason.
With the current quarterbacks on the roster—Jack Tuttle, Davis Warren, and Alex Orji—struggling to fill the shoes of former national champion QB J.J. McCarthy, it’s no surprise that Michigan is actively seeking an elite signal-caller. Without one, it’s hard to see the Wolverines being contenders for championships in the near future.
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