Some great detail on Underwood’s impact at #Michigan. #GoBlue
Michigan football didn’t even play a game on Thursday but perhaps set the narrative not only for Week 13 but for the rest of the regular season after flipping Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting class, from LSU.
The five-star hails from nearby Belleville (Mich.) but it was crucial for the Wolverines to keep him home, says On3 analyst J.D. PicKell.
So how crucial was getting Underwood? PicKell went in with a video he posted on social media.
“Hey, this is a brand new Michigan now,” PicKell said. “It’s a brand new Michigan outfit under Sherrone Moore. They’re in the ball game. They’re playing the NIL game, baby. And this is been a long time coming, I think, for Michigan. This is something that you hoped would happen with Sherrone Moore taking over. This is something that you would hope would happen with the No. 1 quarterback, No. 1 player in America in your backyard. You flip him from LSU to the hometown school. This is huge.
“This is huge on a number of levels. One, like I just said, you’re in the ball game. Anyone who says paying a quarterback in the territory of double-digit millions, allegedly over like three to four years? Like, yeah, you’re in the ball game. Second part of this, the new era of college football, having a guy at quarterback — nonnegotiable to win a national title. Nonnegotiable, because now in the new 12-team format, you got to win three maybe four games to win a natty. You can’t hide a quarterback for that long.
“So now landing Bryce Underwood, who we already established, is an absolute dude, and you would expect if he projects the way that we all expect him to project, to be a dude. Michigan’s gonna have that key ingredient, all right. So vibes are immaculate in Ann Arbor. They should be. The No. 1 player in America staying home.
“And a lot of people now, too — and I want to make sure I say this — ‘They just dropped the bag, that’s why they got him.’ You could have, too, if it truly was about! I don’t know if it was, but if it truly was about that, you could have, too. Let’s not shout about being broke, all right.”
Once a safety at LSU, you know that ESPN analyst Ryan Clark didn’t want to see Bryce Underwood back off his commitment to the Tigers in favor of the Michigan Wolverines. But even now that Underwood has left his alma mater, Clark is singing the praises of the five-star quarterback and No. 1 player in the country.
Michigan football landing Underwood was a seismic shift — not just for the talent on the Wolverines’ roster, but also in college football. Because Underwood, as Clark sees it, is a generational talent that might just be better than all of the big quarterback names that have graces the college football stage over the course of the past decade or so.
“So what’s crazy is I came out of 7-on-7 retirement for Bryce Underwood,” Clark said. “I coached the team this summer because he was going to be the quarterback. I’ve seen Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young — you name it — Jayden Daniels. At his age, he’s better than every single one of them. The way he throws the football, the way he moves, the way he leads, the sort of kid he is.
“I was excited about what LSU could be in the future because of him. Partly, this is on Brian Kelly and what’s happened with LSU throughout this season. And I also think another big piece of it is, if you’re Michigan and you don’t have a quarterback, and that offense looking the way that it is, you can’t him let out of that state.”
“I’ve seen Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Jayden Daniels…all at this age, he’s (Bryce Underwood) better than every single one of them.” –@Realrclark25 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/yVOU3MT6ju
If Underwood is that good, he’ll earn a starting job sooner than later. Lawrence managed to start for Clemson after Kelly Bryant got the first four games of the season in. Fields started in year two after transferring from Georgia to Ohio State. Stroud started in year two. So it will be interesting to see how quickly Underwood picks up Michigan’s offense and is comfortable enough to take the helm and show what he’s got.
Underwood is fully expected to sign on Dec. 4 and he will enroll early and thus be able to participate in bowl practices, should the Wolverines become eligible.
LSU and SEC factions are screeching about Bryce Underwood choosing to play college football in Ann Arbor over Baton Rouge, proclaiming that Michigan football doesn’t develop quarterbacks. J.J. McCarthy being a first-round pick this year at No. 10 overall aside, they’re forgetting something.
Michigan football boasts the most notable quarterback ever, the one they call the GOAT. That is Tom Brady, who has won more Super Bowls than any other player in NFL history.
During the final stretch of Michigan’s aggressive, months-long push to land No. 1 class of 2025 recruit Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines enlisted none other than NFL legend and former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady.
A FaceTime conversation between Brady and Underwood a few weeks ago marked the beginning of their relationship, which grew over multiple conversations, sources told CBS Sports.
There are very few teams that can rely on an alum as famous or legendary than Brady, and with Underwood being a quarterback, there’s no one better than Brady to step in and speak about how beneficial his time in Ann Arbor was for his future success.
So, besides being a GOAT on the field, Brady helping Michigan land the No. 1 player in the country proves he also is a GOAT off the field.
#Michigan has put college football on notice. #GoBlue
You’d think that extending new offers in the 2025 class would essentially end late in the summer or early in the fall — at least in terms of the viability of potential high-end players accepting and potentially committing or flipping. However, the Wolverines are shooting for the stars following No. 1 overall prospect, five-star QB Bryce Underwood committing on Thursday and Sherrone Moore is showing he’s going to take full advantage of shocking the world in terms of college football recruiting at this moment.
According to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Michigan football has extended an offer to 2025 Warner Robins (Ga.) five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson. Gibson has been committed to in-state Georgia since June 2024.
Here is how Gibson ranks according to the recruiting services:
*
Ovr
Pos
St
247Sports Composite
5
9
1
2
On3 Industry Ranking
5
8
1
2
247Sports
5
10
1
3
On3
5
5
1
2
ESPN
5
19
2
4
Rivals
5
13
2
4
There’s no indication that Gibson has any interest in flipping. But with the late (re) offer extended to another five-star, Jahkeem Stewart on Thursday night, it’s more evidence that Michigan is being aggressive in capitalizing off of the publicity that’s come with Underwood’s commitment.
Also, SEC schools, who aren’t accustomed to schools like Michigan coming in and infringing on their turf, are further put on notice. Though the maize and blue are short on time with early signing day coming up on Dec. 4.
Michigan football has mixed things up throughout the past few years when it comes to what it wears on the field, home and away. With the introduction of blue pants to the uniform, some games see the Wolverines wear ‘big game blues,’ traditional maize, as well as white pants on the road.
The Wolverines will play in the penultimate game of 2024 on Saturday with Northwestern coming to town, and it’s the final home game of the season. In such, the maize and blue will look as described: wearing maize and blue.
Michigan announced the uniform combo vs. the Wildcats and it will wear blue tops, maize pants, and blue accessories.
Besides a bowl game — which Michigan could become eligible for if it wins on Saturday — this will be the last time that fans will see the Wolverines in the classic look. The last win wearing the traditional uniform was the last win that Michigan had this year, in Week 9 against rival Michigan State.
Michigan will have one more game after Saturday, a road game at Ohio State.
If you’re concerned about Michigan football’s latest commit, Bryce Underwood, not signing on early signing day on Dec. 4, the Wolverines have pretty much locked that down. And while it’s still more of a formality, a new partnership shows just how far along Underwood’s pledge goes in terms of the connection to Michigan as well as name, image, and likeness.
Shortly after committing to the maize and blue, Valiant Management and Bryce Underwood announced their partnership, which comes with an Underwood-specific shop featuring his ‘shirsey,’ a graphic tee, signed trading cards, and more. The products will be officially revealed on early signing day when he makes his pledge to Michigan football official.
The new shop has a banner at the top that states ‘The Best Players From Michigan Play For Michigan’ as well as a statement from Underwood himself:
I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to the University of Michigan. Growing up here, it’s been a lifelong dream to wear the Maize and Blue. I’m ready to give my all for this team, this university, and our incredible fans.
At the bottom of the shop, there’s more on his excitement to join the hometown team:
Hey, I’m Bryce Underwood, a quarterback from Michigan, and I’m so pumped to take the next step in my football journey at the University of Michigan! During my high school career, I was lucky enough to lead my team to multiple state championships, and I’m proud of the records we set along the way. Football has always been my passion, and I’m grateful for the recognition and opportunities it’s brought me. Now, I can’t wait to represent the Maize and Blue and give everything I’ve got for this amazing program and its fans!
Something tells us that this store is going to sell out of goods rather quickly once it officially opens.
The paradigm is shifting. Though Bryce Underwood was an in-state prospect from nearby Belleville (Mich.), the Wolverines flipping the five-star and No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class is going to have some positive repercussions for Michigan football.
Making sure that everyone in the college football world knows that the maize and blue mean business, the defending national champions took time in the afterglow of Underwood’s flip from LSU to take another shot at Brian Kelly and the Tigers. One of the top prospects from the state, 2025 New Orleans (La.) Edna Kerr five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart appears to be trending to LSU, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon, but Michigan threw its hat back into the ring with a redeclaration of its previously issued offer.
Here is how Stewart ranks according to the recruiting services:
Enormous-framed front-line defender with impressive linear athleticism and immense growth potential. Assembled strong combine testing and measured well on the offseason camp circuit in Spring 2024. Periodic segmentation in movement patterns reflects the growth still ongoing into the frame, but flashes serious straight-line juice for such a big body at this stage. Capable pass rusher from the interior and the edge, thanks in part to hand violence and point-of-attack power. Often physically overwhelms overmatched opponents, but does flash some rip and swim nuance at times. Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness. Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.
With both Nate Marshall and Jaylen Williams flipping from Michigan to Auburn and Wisconsin, respectively, getting the currently uncommitted Stewart in the fold would be a massive sea change. Of course, the Wolverines have a lot of ground to make up in a short period of time and there’s no indication that they will. But even the fact that Michigan is making this move right now shows you how serious it is to attract truly elite talent to Ann Arbor — beyond even the aforementioned Underwood.
Michigan football certainly isn’t done yet, after Bryce Underwood flipped from his longtime commitment from ‘dream school’ LSU to the Wolverines on Thursday. With 13 days until the early signing period, there are several uncommitted and prospects committed elsewhere who certainly will now give the maize and blue a strong look in hopes to join a special class.
Not long after Underwood’s surprise (in terms of timing) pledge to the Wolverines, On3 vice president Steve Wiltfong logged three predictions via the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine for Michigan football to flip now that Underwood is in the fold.
Steve Wiltfong just On3 crystal balled:
4⭐️CB Alex Graham
4⭐️WR Derek Meadows
4⭐️LB Bradley Gompers
Here’s more on each in terms of where they currently are, ranking, and scouting report.
Alex Graham
Photo: Isaiah Hole
The in-state defensive back from Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech (though he briefly played at IMG Academy in Florida) has long been committed to Colorado, but officially visited Michigan football for the Oregon game earlier this month.
A play-making defensive back prospect that began his prep career up in Detroit before transferring into the national powerhouse that is IMG Academy ahead of junior season. Size hasn’t been third-party verified, but looks to be pushing 6-foot with more of a stout build. Has experience working in both press-man and off coverage. Rather fluid with his backpedal and does a nice job of mirroring with his hips while trying to steer wide receivers towards the sidelines. Not one that usually shies away from contact and tends to embrace his role in run support. Lack of data points isn’t ideal, but he has looked the part as an 11th grader working opposite five-star corner Ellis Robinson IV, and did win a number of track and field awards as a youngster. Could carve out a role at a number of spots in the secondary. Must stay healthy having dealt with numerous injuries over the years, but has multi-year Power Five starter upside and tools to emerge as a difference-maker on the backend.
Derek Meadows
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Meadows was once a five-star prospect but has dropped slightly in the recruiting rankings over the course of the 2025 cycle. He had visited Michigan football for the spring game and again in the summer recruiting cycle before committing to LSU. The Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman four-star wideout surprised many after taking an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor for the Oregon game. Still committed to LSU, Notre Dame is also a contender for a flip.
Meadows is a jumbo receiver and one of the more intriguing players in the ’25 class. He has a rare combination of size, athleticism and body control and is only scratching the surface of how good we think he can be. At 6-6, 200 pounds and an 80” wingspan, he’s a matchup nightmare for smaller defensive backs and should be an immediate red zone threat. He can run as well and is one of the region’s top track athletes although a hamstring injury has limited him this Spring. He was the Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year as a sophomore and is one of the region’s top hurdlers. He has a big frame and it wouldn’t shock us if he eventually grows in to a pass catching tight end who would be lethal working against linebackers and safeties down the middle of the field. Saying that, he has a receiver skill set and we’ve seen him dominate on the 7v7 circuit with his length, jump ball skills and ability to catch the ball through contact. His upside is extremely high and with continued development, there’s no question he has the potential to play on Sunday’s for a very long time.
On3’s Michigan insider EJ Holland and LSU insider Shea Dixon also put in flip predictions for Meadows to end up in Ann Arbor.
Bradley Gompers
Photo: Isaiah Hole
A former high school teammate of current Michigan football linebacker Cole Sullivan, the 2025 Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic athlete has been committed to Duke for some time, but visited Ann Arbor for the MSU game late in October.
Three-phase impact playmaker for WPIAL 6A power program Pittsburgh Central Catholic at an estimated 6-foot-5, 215 pound billing. Missed the majority of his junior season due to a broken collarbone but has played at a Mr. PA Football level through nine games of his senior campaign. Senior season highlights are show-stopping in all three phases and include work at linebacker, wide receiver, tight end, and as an edge rusher. Above-the-rim basketball tape clearly translates on the gridiron. Arrives at the contact point with violent intentions but can also operate in space as a coverage defender. Schools seem to be split on tight end or linebacker at the next level as National Signing Day approaches. Should be viewed as a highly athletic well put together football player who reads the game on both sides of the ball at a high level. Lack of verified testing and measurement data isn’t ideal, but has the multi-sport indicators and playmaking prowess to suggest immense NFL Draft upside.
Who else should you be on the look out for?
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Michigan is in a good spot with others who have shown recent interest. While it may be unrelated, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng announced shortly after Underwood’s commitment that he will not be attending Texas this weekend as previously planned.
Alabama commit, 2025 Denton (Tx.) Ryan five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood should be on the radar, as should 2025 Cocoa (Fla.) four-star WR Jayvan Boggs, who is set to visit this weekend.
Michigan football did the impossible, the unthinkable. A recruitment that appeared to be completely closed was reopened and flipped on its head when the Wolverines managed to reel in No. 1 overall prospect in 2025 Belleville (Mich.) five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.
The news was originally broken by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, but Underwood made sure everyone knew that he was in fact flipping and that it wasn’t an erroneous report. He posted a video to confirm that he has in fact flipped and that he will take on the mantle of being a hometown hero.
Underwood is the first No. 1 overall prospect to commit to Michigan football since 2016 when the Wolverines secured edge rusher Rashan Gary from Paramus (N.J.) Catholic and the first No. 1 overall quarterback to commit to the Wolverines in the modern recruiting era.
Michigan football was living in what many thought to be a pipe dream, looking to sway in-state 2025 Belleville (Mich.) five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood off of his 11-month commitment to his dream school, LSU.
However, people inside of Schembechler Hall believed and found out what it needed to do to pry Underwood from his pledge to get him into maize and blue. And they made it happen, with the five-star QB flipping on Thursday night.
An underrated part of the recruitment, though much of the talk has surrounded NIL, has been the collective Champions Circle. Just after Underwood pledged to the Wolverines, Champions Circle released a statement, along with founder and chairman Nate Forbes, to share their excitement about Underwood joining the program.
Full release
Those Who Stay (Home)…
Welcome Bryce Underwood to Champions Circle!
We want to thank our Founding Members and others associated with Champions Circle who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible to continue our legacy of building championship teams at Michigan.
Founding Member and Chairman, Nate Forbes, said: “We are very excited to keep Bryce home in Michigan as he continues to build his legacy. I want to personally thank Jolin and Larry Ellison who were instrumental in making this happen by providing Champions Circle with invaluable guidance and financial resources.”
We welcome all of the other parties who have publicly expressed interest in assisting Michigan’s NIL’s efforts to join the 11,000 other individuals who have contributed to Champions Circle. For any fan wishing to support our efforts to keep Michigan the Leaders and Best, please contribute through our “Those Who Stay (Home)…” fundraising campaign.
Champions Circle is a community of Michigan alumni and fans who work together to support the University of Michigan student-athletes.
Go Blue!
Founding Members:
Nate Forbes (Chairman)
Navid Mahmoodzadegan (Vice-Chairman)
Matt Lester (Vice-Chairman)
Josh Fox
David Kaplan
Paul Blavin
Jon Ferrando
Jared Wangler
Phil Hollyer
Mick Grewal
Stephen Eisenberg
Roger Ehrenberg
Jeff Fratarcangeli
