University of Michigan Offers Top Recruit $10.5 Million, Pulls Out All the Stops to Lure Him Away from LSU
The University of Michigan was reportedly willing to offer $10.5 million in name, image, and likeness (NIL) money to top recruit Bryce Underwood, who ultimately flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. As part of their pursuit, the school went above and beyond to woo the standout quarterback, including a FaceTime call with none other than Tom Brady, who quarterbacked the Wolverines in the late 1990s.
According to CBS Sports, Brady and Underwood formed a relationship over multiple conversations, with Brady assuring the high school senior that he would be a resource to him. Michigan’s pursuit of Underwood ramped up in the last few months, and the decommitment of another four-star recruit, Carter Smith, created buzz that Underwood might flip commitments.
On Saturday, Underwood was spotted tailgating in Ann Arbor, taking in the crowd alongside Connor Stalions, the accused ringleader of the sign-stealing scheme that plagued the Wolverines during their national championship season last year. However, it turned out that Stalions is actually an assistant coach at Underwood’s high school, Belleville.
Ranking as ESPN’s top high school prospect in the country, Underwood’s NIL situation with the Wolverines is not publicly disclosed, but it likely played a significant role in his decision to stay in his home state. Brady’s involvement also undoubtedly contributed to his decision, as did the opportunity to play for his alma mater.
Underwood is set to officially sign with Michigan on December 4, making him the first No.1 overall recruit since Rashan Gary signed with the Wolverines in 2016.
