This is gonna rankle some Buckeye feathers! #GoBlue
ESPN College GameDay host and Ohio State alum Kirk Herbstreit has always shown impartiality to his rival, to the point where he often has gone out of his way to praise Michigan football. Before, it may have been because he’s worked to be objective and gain the trust of the maize and blue faithful. Now? It may be for a different reason entirely.
That’s because on Sunday, 2025 Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier three-star quarterback Chase Herbstreit, Kirk’s son, committed and signed to the Michigan Wolverines, joining No. 1 overall prospect, five-star Bryce Underwood as the team’s second quarterback signee in the 2025 class.
After Michigan football announced Herbstreit’s signing, his father took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the news of his son joining what his former team now calls ‘the team up north.’
So proud of you Chase!
Congratulations on this incredible opportunity. Look forward to watching you continue to grow and develop at Michigan.
Keep grinding!! https://t.co/1nUUmyTqPG
With scholarships increasing from 85 to 105, Herbstreit is considered a scholarship player. However, with the new move, that means the Wolverines have to also eliminate approximately 30 walk-on roles they would have had before. Still, Herbstreit will be taking on a scholarship that may have not previously been available with the limits beforehand, which does allow the Wolverines to build depth within the quarterback room.
Now the question is: Will we ever see Herbstreit wearing Michigan gear? After all, he’s not the only famous rival father to send his son to Ann Arbor this class as Jason Strayhorn, the MSU radio analyst, has seen his son Kaden also sign with the Wolverines this year.
Will a former Ohio State quarterback now be actively rooting for the maize and blue? Because it sure looks like it.
Kirk Herbstreit is a college football legend, more so for his role on ESPN College GameDay and as the lead CFB color commentator, but he also suited up for the Buckeyes during his own time in college. He’s had multiple sons play college football, including Jake and Tye, who both first played for Clemson before transferring to OSU. Well, his son Chase Herbstreit is choosing a different option entirely, as the 2025 Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier quarterback is committing to Michigan football per On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
BREAKING: Class of 2025 QB Chase Herbstreit has Committed to Michigan, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’2 195 QB joins Bryce Underwood as the 2nd scholarship QB in the Wolverines ‘25 Class
Is the son of former Ohio State QB Kirk Herbstreit
Herbstreit joins No. 1 overall QB Bryce Underwood in the 2025 class. He’s unrated according to 247Sports but is a three-star quarterback according to On3, which has him as the No. 128 signal caller and No. 102 player in the state of Ohio.
Michigan football pulled something of a coup by getting 2025 Central Valley (Pennsylvania) four-star tight end Andrew Olesh to commit relatively early in the cycle. But it had to continually fend off other schools.
Though Olesh appeared to want to go to Michigan, there appeared to be outside pressure for him to end up at either Oregon or Penn State.
For a time, it appeared Olesh was going to stick with the Michigan class, but there were rumors surrounding him heading west to Oregon. Those rumors quieted when the Ducks were expected to get Linkon Cure to flip from Kansas State. However, on the opening day of the early signing period, Cure stuck with the Wildcats, and the Olesh rumors picked back up.
However, Olesh opted to go to Penn State instead.
Ratings
*
Ovr
Pos
State
247Sports Composite
4
59
3
1
On3 Industry Ranking
4
55
3
1
247Sports
4
47
3
1
On3
4
43
2
1
Rivals
4
163
5
3
ESPN
4
79
3
2
With Olesh gone, Michigan has one tight end signed: Eli Owens.
This was about as no-fuss, no-drama recruitment as there could be. Michigan was interested in Sanders. He considered Baylor and Oklahoma State, but pledged to the Wolverines over the summer.
Readiness Level
Could compete to be in the rotation in Year 1, but he is more likely going to need a year before he gets into the rotation due to the depth expected to be ahead of him.
Unverified size, but looks tall and wiry on the hoof. Instinctive three-phase playmaker with a strong football pedigree as the son of a former all-conference corner who played on some great TCU late 2000s teams. Three-sport athlete with experience in basketball and track and field that shows in functional athleticism on the gridiron. Elevates in the open floor with above-the-rim finishing ability. Productive in all three phases, including two special teams TDs as a junior. Field-stretching vertical shot threat at receiver. Big-framed corner on D with potential to fit a framey boundary corner role quite well, though skill set and instincts also could fit over the top at safety. Not necessarily a top-end burner but plenty fast with unorthodox gait, but does not get caught from behind. Bona fide Power Four prospect in the secondary. Owns the developmental potential to become a difference maker in college with NFL Draft upside.
Some really incredible insight into both players! #GoBlue
In late October, there were but mere rumblings that Michigan football was making a late push to lure Bryce Underwood away from LSU. It was message board fodder, rumors that had more than a hint of truth. But very few knew what was going on between the Wolverines and the No. 1 recruit in the country — who happened to play high school ball just 20 minutes down the road.
Even fewer knew that the maize and blue would have an advocate within the Belleville program in short order.
Former Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions has become something of a household name in college football after becoming a daily subject in the sport in 2023. In 2024, Stalions was coaching at Detroit (Mich.) Mumford, first as a defensive coordinator before he found himself ultimately serving as the acting head coach. Once Mumford’s season was done, he got a call, and before he knew it, he was set to serve as the Belleville (Mich.) offensive coordinator for the playoffs.
That meant that Stalions was about to be in close proximity to Underwood as well as his also incredibly talented teammate, safety Elijah Dotson.
Underwood was committed to LSU and Dotson to Pitt, but on Nov. 20, Dotson flipped to the Wolverines and Underwood followed suit the next day. To those in the national media, the Dotson news was somewhat expected. The Underwood news was not.
Having coached both for three weeks, Stalions shared his thoughts exclusively with WolverinesWire, remarking first on Underwood and what makes him such a special player.
Bryce Underwood
The Underwood and Stalions family before the Northwestern game in Week 13. Photo: Isaiah Hole
“Anyone can watch Bryce’s highlight tape and see the talent, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t let his physical traits fool you,” Stalions told WolverinesWire. “Bryce is a reassuring example of how hard work and complete dedication to perfecting one’s craft separates the good from the great.
“First guy there, last guy to leave. Wins every sprint in practice. Treats every single rep like his life depends on it. When he’s not on the field or working out, he’s studying the game. Never satisfied. Always looking for ways to improve. Always getting extra work in. He didn’t get to where he is by accident. He’s ALL about football. He’s only 17, so he has plenty of room to continue to grow, but Bryce already conducts himself like a professional. And every kid who looks up to him needs to understand that his work ethic is what got him to where he is. You can achieve what you want to if you relentlessly put in the work.”
Elijah Dotson
The Dotson and Stalions family before the Northwestern game in Week 13. Photo: Isaiah Hole
Though Dotson has been somewhat overshadowed by Underwood in terms of media coverage, Stalions has insisted that he is a powerhouse player in his own right.
Projecting him as a potential multi-year starter, Stalions says that the safety (who also played wide receiver at Belleville) has a lot of unique qualities that will endear him to the Michigan coaching staff and fan base, alike.
“The same can all be said for Elijah,” Stalions said, noting the aforementioned comments about Underwood. “Elijah pops off on film, flying around the field on both sides of the ball, and he loves to hit. He’s super versatile in coverage, but you really want him in the run fit, too. And he’s really smart. Right after the season ended and he decided to commit to Michigan, he immediately shifted his focus to learning Michigan’s defense. That’s the type of guy he is. Ultimate focus. I’m looking forward to seeing E-Dot’s impact on defense and special teams. Don’t be shocked if you see him find his way on the field ahead of schedule.”
Dotson and Underwood sign with Michigan at Belleville High School on Dec. 4, 2024. Photo: Isaiah Hole
Stalions won’t go so far as to say he had an impact in getting both of Michigan football’s future stars to Ann Arbor. And while he didn’t have a ton of time with them overall, as their coach with the Tigers, he learned a lot — not only about the players on the field but who both Underwood and Dotson are as young men.
Through the process, Stalions got to know both the Dotson and Underwood families, and he could see the values instilled in both. Still an avid fan of Michigan, while he wasn’t overtly recruiting the duo to Ann Arbor, he’s more than thrilled to see both set to wear maize and blue — an occasion marked by both signing with the Wolverines on early signing day on Wednesday.
“Elijah and Bryce are both tremendous young men who come from great families,” Stalions said. “They’re both direct reflections of their fathers, whom I’ve gotten to know well. Regarding their recruitment, Elijah and Bryce really couldn’t go wrong with any decision they made. We didn’t talk too much about recruiting — we were dialed in on football itself. But I’m sure they had difficult decisions, as does everyone who goes through the process. I was only with them for three weeks this season, and I could tell after one practice that they would both succeed regardless of where they played college football. Of course, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out I’m ecstatic to see both of them go to Michigan. But what’s even cooler for me is that I was looking forward to see them play college ball regardless of where it was — now I’ll only have to drive right down the road to see them play.”
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
