ANN ARBOR, Mich. — If the most popular man in Ann Arbor at any given time is usually the backup quarterback, at this moment, it’s actually a quarterback who isn’t even yet on the roster.
On Thursday, Michigan football’s hard work to flip the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, Belleville (Michigan) five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, from LSU paid off. And Saturday marked his first trip to a game at The Big House as a Michigan commit.
Before the game against Northwestern, Underwood found himself schmoozing with Michigan fans at the “HailGate” tailgate at Ann Arbor Golf and Outing across the street from Michigan Stadium.
Bryce Underwood hits up the HailGate tailgate pic.twitter.com/flCL66c3sp
— Isaiah Hole (@isaiahhole) November 23, 2024
Received by a raucous crowd who quickly followed Underwood for their chance to grab a selfie or say hello, the enigmatic QB also met up with the infamous Connor Stalions, who served as Belleville’s offensive coordinator for the MHSAA playoff. We managed to get the two together to snap a picture (above).
Naturally, WolverinesWire’s picture of the meetup went viral, but just about anything Underwood-related is likely to at this stage.
Afterward, Underwood was the first recruit to hit the field at The Big House pregame, as he had the opportunity to see his newfound digs for the first time as a committed recruit.
The good news for both Michigan and Underwood is the Wolverines won their sixth game of the season, ensuring a bowl game. Since Underwood plans to enroll early, he’ll be able to get an even earlier start than spring ball: He’ll be able to participate in bowl prep.