Tag: Michigan Football

Bryce Underwood shares thoughts on potential transfer QB coming in, Michigan needing a new OC

LOVE his attitude already! #GoBlue

BELLEVILLE, Mich. — It’s unusual for a big-time college football team to have the No. 1 recruit in the country committed and to then fire the extant offensive coordinator the day before signing day. Such was the case for Michigan football.

The Wolverines gained a commitment from five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood on Nov. 21, and on Dec. 3, after Michigan football beat Ohio State, Sherrone Moore announced he was firing OC Kirk Campbell.

While that may be unnerving to some recruits, obviously, the maize and blue struggled mightily on offense in 2024. With the No. 128 attack on that side of the ball, new blood was needed.

As for Underwood, he trusts Moore will make the right decision to get a coach who will maximize his potential.

“No matter what it is, I really — we really haven’t focused on that,” Underwood said. “That’s really not the conversation. That’s (Moore’s) job to pick. So that’s not in my hands or anything like that. But overall, no matter who it is, I will adjust. I’m very good at adjusting. I’m very good at processing and learning.”

Additionally, the Wolverines likely will not just sit by in the transfer portal at the quarterback position.

Though Underwood could potentially start right away, Michigan football wants to create a culture of competition. It’s rumored that a veteran quarterback — such as USC’s Miller Moss — could come to Ann Arbor to push Underwood and potentially start while the freshman phenom works as his understudy.

Underwood is fully open to that possibility, noting he didn’t come to Ann Arbor for a starting job handout. He wants to earn the opportunity, and he’ll do everything he can to work toward becoming QB1 of Michigan football.

“Competition is competition,” Underwood said. “No matter who they bring in, or who was there — no matter what, I’m still going to compete.”

Underwood is expected to arrive on campus shortly, but he will not be able to start practicing until Dec. 19, he shared on Wednesday.

Signed: Bryce Underwood signs with Michigan football

The No. 1 recruit in the country officially signs with #Michigan. #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 5 1 1 1
On3 Industry Ranking 5 1 1 1
247Sports 5 1 1 1
On3 5 1 1 1
ESPN 5 1 1 1
Rivals 5 2 2 1

Vitals

Hometown Belleville (Mich.)
Projected Position Quarterback
Height 6-foot-4
Weight 205-pounds

Recruiting Story

Hailing from Michigan football’s backyard, the Wolverines were behind on getting involved in Underwood’s recruitment from the jump. First, it was because of former quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss, and though Kirk Campbell made up some ground, it was too late, and Underwood ended up committing to LSU.

But the Wolverines stayed in contact, ramping things up after Sherrone Moore took over the program. Once the 2024 season started going off the rails, the program was able to galvanize the donors to make the biggest NIL pitch in history, managing to flip Underwood from the Tigers with just under two weeks until early signing day.

Readiness Level

As far as a recruit is concerned, Underwood is the highest-rated that Michigan has ever brought in. Though expected to see the field early and often in 2025, and could start on day one, the expectation is that the Wolverines will go after a transfer so that Underwood can take some time to develop. Either way, he could take the reins in year one and improves Michigan football immediately.

Notes

  • Committed Nov. 21, 2024
  • His teammate, Elijah Dotson, committed to Michigan football on Nov. 20, 2024

Scouting report

Via 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Potential franchise signal caller with the ideal blend of size, arm talent and athleticism. Exhibited no shortage of field command midway through senior season, which makes sense given resume: over 48 career starts and upwards of 165 touchdowns accounted for. Those numbers are amplified even more by the fact that he’s extremely young for the grade and won’t turn 20 years old until his third year of college. Has continued to improve as a passer and has gotten much more in tune with his mechanics. However, the biggest revelation in his final prep campaign has been his ability to move the chains with his legs as he builds speed and dodges defenders as an open-field runner with a frame that’s north of 6-foot-3 and pushing 215 pounds. Displays excellent pocket awareness for his age and isn’t one that panics as pressure builds. Does best to stay on schedule and hit his marks with authority, showing the ability to not only challenge tight coverage windows with velocity over the middle, but also throw with both touch and anticipation to the second and third levels. Projects as a multi-year impact player for a College Football Playoff contender that has a chance to eventually emerge as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft with his tools. Might need a semester or two to find his footing, but ability to hunt big plays and distribute on the move could be hard to keep off the field even if he’s still learning how to dissect complex defenses.

Film

Original commitment story

BREAKING: Michigan football flips Bryce Underwood from LSU

Photos

Signed: Elijah Dotson signs with Michigan football

The best players in Michigan go to #Michigan! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 190 13 2
On3 Industry Ranking 4 157 20 2
247Sports 4 118 10 2
On3 4 – 31 3
ESPN 4 – 21 5
Rivals 4 125 52 6

Vitals

Hometown Belleville (Mich.)
Projected Position Safety
Height 6-foot-2
Weight 180-pounds

Recruiting Story

A versatile defensive back who could play anywhere in the secondary and also played wide receiver in high school, Dotson was committed to Pitt for some time. But the Belleville standout ended up seeing increased Michigan football interest late in the cycle, and after taking visits to Ann Arbor for the MSU and Oregon games, he committed two weeks before signing day.

Readiness Level

Could compete to be in the rotation in year one but is more likely going to need a year before he ends up getting into the fold due to the depth expected to be ahead of him.

Notes

  • Committed Nov. 20, 2024
  • Also plays basketball and runs track
  • High school teammate of Bryce Underwood and was instrumental in flipping Jordan Young from Clemson

Scouting report

Here’s the scouting report from 247Sports’ Allen Trieu:

Has played safety, corner, receiver, return man and some wildcat quarterback in high school. Has above average size and plays physically. Will put his face in the action in run support and will get his hands on receivers if playing man to man. Receiver background helps in his ball skills. Versatile and can play deep in the secondary or come into the box as well as match-up one on one with slots and tight ends. Most likely projection is safety, but it is not out of the question a school could try him as a big corner. Track background speaks to his athleticism and has enough straight line speed to recover and run down plays.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football flips teammate of Bryce Underwood to bolster 2025 DB class

Photos

Bryce Underwood shares why he flipped from LSU to Michigan football

LOVE this! #GoBlue

BELLEVILLE, Mich. — It was perhaps the biggest story in college football recruiting of the 2025 cycle when No. 1 prospect, regardless of position, Bryce Underwood, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan football.

The Tigers had Underwood’s pledge from Jan. 6 to Nov. 21. Though national analysts and LSU reporters were adamant Underwood wasn’t going anywhere and didn’t have interest in Michigan, Underwood said that had never been the case.

“Michigan was in my top three no matter where it was,” Underwood said. “Because, one, it’s hometown; one, education; and one, (it’s) the big football team — best football team in Michigan, and also the winningest team in the country, no matter what sport.”

Of course, the Wolverines put together a big name, image and likeness licensing package with Larry and Jolin Ellison being the primary benefactors. But Underwood stresses it wasn’t just about the money.

As he shared his commitment video, it featured a young Underwood pledging to the maize and blue as a child. But now Underwood also understands the importance of the University of Michigan as an institution, as well as carrying the torch for the state.

“Honestly, school,” Underwood said. “School is a big thing with me — like my education is everything. And also me being pushing my hometown state, my hometown big college to the next level, win a couple national championships.”

Michigan came on strong late, but Underwood said he had to take a step back and realize LSU might not be his best option. Evaluating everything — from his family to being a “hometown hero” — he realized that staying in Ann Arbor might be his best option given everything that the school has to offer.

“Honestly, when I had to figure out where my perspective was and everything that helped my family out the most,” Underwood said. “And also me being and knowing what I needed from the school as well.

“This whole opportunity is just nothing but blessings, honestly,” Underwood later said. “I prayed for moments like this when I was younger, just to see — watching people that I was close with, like Dante Moore do his thing, I seen them go through their classes and how they handled it. And I just took notes on them, and it just came naturally. So I say basically me working hard in my process.”

Underwood is an early enrollee and will be able to start practicing with his new football team on Dec. 19, he said.

Signed: Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng signs with Michigan football

BOOM! It’s done! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 299 21 11
On3 Industry Ranking 4 188 19 25
247Sports 4 – 27 28
On3 3 – 39 57
ESPN 4 81 8 13
Rivals 5 28 2 7

Vitals

Hometown Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Projected Position Linebacker
Height 6-foot-1
Weight 205-pounds

Recruiting Story

Owusu-Boateng was arguably Michigan football’s top choice on the defensive side of the ball, but with his brother having played at Notre Dame, it was an uphill climb. Still, he was considering the Wolverines, ND, Ohio State, and USC before Texas and Colorado made late pushes. It came down to the Wolverines and Colorado, but he pulled the trigger on signing day for the maize and blue.

Readiness Level

Likely a year-two contributor due to the depth ahead of him.

Notes

  • Committed Dec. 4, 2024
  • Already had two IMG Academy teammates committed (Kaden Strayhorn and Donovan Johnson)

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Speed-and-space linebacker that can hawk down ball carriers and spy quarterbacks. Tips the scales at just over 6-foot, 200 pounds and appears to still have some growth potential with his lean, muscular build. Started prep career off in the DMV before arriving at IMG Academy where he emerged as a team leader in advance of senior season. At his best in chase mode, but has shown over the years that he’s willing to attack blockers or play around them. Tends to strike opponents when the opportunity presents itself. Has proven to be rather effective against the pass as he’s athletic and agile enough to mirror tight ends underneath or down the seam. Should be viewed as a potential impact player at the Power Four level. Might lack the payload at this stage to hold up against a true down-hill run game, but sideline-to-sideline range could lead to plenty of success on Saturdays.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football gets commitment top defensive target in 2025

Photos

Michigan football gets commitment top defensive target in 2025

He’s in! #GoBlue

Some players are higher on the board than others, no matter the recruiting ranking. Which is why it’s a good thing for Michigan football that arguably its top defensive target in 2025 is one of the more highly-rated players in the country.

2025 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng may be a Notre Dame legacy as his brother played there, but he wasn’t a lock to end up in South Bend. It seemed like it earlier in the process, but the Wolverines were persistently among his top choices and after every visit, he raved about Ann Arbor.

It came down to Michigan and Colorado and on early signing day, Owusu-Boateng chose to wear maize and blue.

He made his decision known on ESPN 2.

Here is how he ranks according to the recruiting services:

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 299 21 11
On3 Industry Ranking 4 188 19 25
247Sports 4 – 27 28
On3 3 – 39 57
ESPN 4 81 8 13
Rivals 5 28 2 7

The rankings are all over the place, with most services having him as a four-star, On3 as a three-star, and Rivals as a five-star.

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Speed-and-space linebacker that can hawk down ball carriers and spy quarterbacks. Tips the scales at just over 6-foot, 200 pounds and appears to still have some growth potential with his lean, muscular build. Started prep career off in the DMV before arriving at IMG Academy where he emerged as a team leader in advance of senior season. At his best in chase mode, but has shown over the years that he’s willing to attack blockers or play around them. Tends to strike opponents when the opportunity presents itself. Has proven to be rather effective against the pass as he’s athletic and agile enough to mirror tight ends underneath or down the seam. Should be viewed as a potential impact player at the Power Four level. Might lack the payload at this stage to hold up against a true down-hill run game, but sideline-to-sideline range could lead to plenty of success on Saturdays.

With Owusu-Boateng in the fold, Michigan has its middle linebacker of the future. He’s the 22nd commit in the 2025 cycle and second linebacker in the class.

Michigan football offensive lineman entering transfer portal

Best of luck to him. #GoBlue

It was a big win for Michigan football when it managed to reel in an in-state four-star who was thought to be the center of the future. However, it just hasn’t worked out for Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech interior offensive lineman Raheem Anderson.

The battle was supposed to be between Anderson and Greg Crippen, but then the Wolverines brought in a bevy of transfers — Olu Oluwatimi and Drake Nugent — before the battle became between Crippen and converted defensive lineman Dominick Giudice.

On Wednesday, Anderson announced that he would be heading elsewhere to continue his career as he was entering the transfer portal.

 

Anderson was the player who carried the Michigan flag from the north end zone at Ohio Stadium to the Block O at midfield on Saturday.

He played 98 snaps in 2024, two in 2023, 57 in 2022, and 11 in his freshman season of 2021. He will have one year of eligibility remaining at his school of choice.

Signed: Kainoa Winston signs with Michigan football

Big time player is in! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 110 10 1
On3 Industry Ranking 4 100 10 1
247Sports 4 121 11 1
On3 4 67 5 1
ESPN 4 51 5 1
Rivals 4 – 33 1

Vitals

Hometown Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga
Projected Position Safety
Height 5-foot-11
Weight 185-pounds

Recruiting Story

Thought to be a Penn State lean for much of the process and fully anticipated to also visit North Carolina and Oregon, Winson surprised by committing to the Wolverines in June. He’s been solid to his pledge since joining the class.

Readiness Level

Could compete to be in the rotation in year one but is more likely going to need a year before he ends up getting into the fold due to the depth expected to be ahead of him.

Notes

  • Committed June 14, 2024
  • Also a decorated sprinter

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

A new-age defensive back prospect with the straight-line speed to help combat modern passing attacks. Owns some of the more impressive track times in the 2025 cycle having collected various medals at respected meets around the country. Size hasn’t been third-party verified, but is believed to be under 6-foot and full of muscle. Flies around the field and can get outside the numbers with ease. Quick to locate the football and is not afraid to jump a route. Has proven to be a rather spirited tackler in run support and seems to frequently be seeking out contact. Agile and fluid enough in the lower half to man-up with wide receivers and tight ends, but hasn’t been asked to press a ton on Friday nights. Based on what he has put on tape thus far, should be viewed as a potential defensive playmaker for a Power Five program that could play over the top, in the box, or even in the slot. Likely to add plenty of value on special teams units at the program of his choice.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football gets huge 2025 commit from elite DB

Photos

(none available)

Five-star Georgia commit posts cryptic message ahead of signing

Five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, a Georgia commit, shared a cryptic message via social media right before early signing day

Five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, who is a Georgia Bulldogs commitment, posted a picture of the Detroit, Michigan, skyline ahead of early signing day. Gibson, who plans to sign at 2:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 4, has been committed to Georgia since June.

Update: Gibson has signed with the Georgia Bulldogs.

However, the Michigan Wolverines have recently built up some buzz in his recruitment. Michigan offered Gibson a scholarship a few weeks ago and are trying to land the elite pass rusher.

Gibson plays football for Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defender is the best edge rusher in the class of 2025. Gibson is ranked as the No. 9 recruit in the nation and the No. 2 prospect in Georgia.

The Warner Robins standout is one of five five-star recruits committed to Georgia football. Michigan has commitments from a pair of five-star recruits, but landing Gibson would be a massive win for the Wolverines.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDKf-2SPQsy/?hl=en

 

Signed: Kaden Strayhorn signs with Michigan football

An MSU legacy who made the right choice! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 3 491 33 65
On3 Industry Ranking 3 552 48 70
247Sports 3 – 38 75
On3 3 – 84 128
ESPN 4 – 10 46
Rivals 4 – 16 51

Vitals

Hometown Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Projected Position Center
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 285-pounds

Recruiting Story

This is an interesting one. A Michigan State legacy and son of MSU radio color commentator Jason Strayhorn, it appeared that the progeny would end up in East Lansing when Mel Tucker was the coach. However, when Jonathan Smith took over, the Spartans didn’t recruit Strayhorn, opening up the door for the Wolverines. Ohio State and some other big schools were involved but ultimately, Strayhorn ended up at his father’s biggest rival.

Readiness Level

Likely a year two-to-four contributor due to the depth ahead of him.

Notes

  • Committed June 23, 2024
  • Got his start at Novi (Mich.) Catholic Central

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Technically advanced interior offensive line prospect that could very well find himself snapping the football on Saturdays. Under 6-foot-3, but believed to tipping the scales at just over 285 pounds and should only continue to add some good mass in the coming years. Plays with a favorable pad level for his age and will win more times than not by simply gaining leverage on opponents as his upper and lower halves frequently sing to the same tune. Deployed primarily at right tackle as a senior for an IMG Academy program that is known for its o-line development. Had his moments protecting the corner, but should find more success in pass sets when he’s not asked to cover a ton of turf. Projects as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level based on what he has put on tape over the years. Ceiling might be highest as a center with his instincts and aggression.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football steals away MSU legacy with latest commit

Photos