Five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood could transform Michigan football in 2025

The Michigan Wolverines were fortunate to have a generational talent like JJ McCarthy at quarterback from 2021-23. McCarthy was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and had a stellar career as Michigan's starting quarterback. Overall, he achieved a 26-1 record, with wins in the Rose Bowl and the National Championship Game in 2023.

Michigan is now trying to add another generational talent at quarterback in five-star Bryce Underwood. Not only is Underwood the No. 1 QB in the 2025 class, he's also the No. 1 overall prospect. Underwood is currently committed to LSU, but Michigan is hoping to change that.

Per Pete Nakos of On3, Michigan, Underwood is offering a comprehensive NIL package worth more than $5 million over three to four years, which is “on par” with what LSU offered him. Nakos calls Michigan's push to find another top quarterback “the best-funded Michigan NIL operation since the NIL era began in July 2021.”

Underwood is set just up the street from Ann Arbor in Belleville, Michigan. As a senior, he threw for 1,477 yards, 19 touchdowns and one interception while also running for 427 yards and three touchdowns.

Underwood is a dual-threat quarterback who has no obvious weaknesses. His arm talent is outstanding and his ability to make plays with his legs is nothing short of electrifying and game-changing. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports recently compared Underwood to former Texas Longhorns quarterback Vince Young, calling Underwood a “multi-year impact player for a College Football Playoff contender who has a chance with his skill set to eventually be a first-round pick.” to be selected in the NFL Draft.” .”

On3's Steve Wiltfong recently reported that Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore has continued dialogue with Underwood, calling the dialogue “genuine.” Wiltfong believes that moving Underwood to Michigan would open the eyes of some other players before the early signing period begins in December.

When Underwood committed to LSU in January, he cited being trained as a quarterback to prepare for the NFL and that he “had a relatable offense” as the main reasons for his decision. The Wolverines can point to JJ McCarthy being selected 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft as proof that they can develop a quarterback, but Michigan's plan may need to be adjusted to better accommodate Underwood's skillset and make him the starting quarterback Turn around to move.

Michigan currently has the No. 129 passing offense nationally and will need to prove to Underwood that there is a plan to get the passing game back on track and that it will be a web of better schemes and better personnel.

What the Tigers really have going for them is the success that Jayden Daniels has had and continues to have in the NFL since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders. Daniels won the Heisman last season with 40 passing touchdowns, just four interceptions, 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores. Daniels now leads the Commanders at 6-2 in the NFC East and is ranked No. 5 in ESPN Total QBR (72.7).

Even though Daniels was so good at LSU, the team was only 10-3 and eliminated from the College Football Playoff. Michigan, on the other hand, just won a national championship led by a first-round pick in McCarthy.

As evidenced by their no-pitch loss to Underwood and the recent signing of five-star offensive lineman Andrew Babalola, the Wolverines are looking to win it all again in the near future. There's no doubt that Michigan's 2024 season was a disappointment, but there's also no doubt that they're doing everything they can to bring in big-time additions.

If Michigan can somehow land Underwood, it could completely change the course of Moore's tenure as head coach – not just because of Underwood's play, but because he would likely create a domino effect of other big recruits committing to Michigan. The Wolverines' 2025 class is currently ranked No. 14 by 247Sports, a ranking that could climb much higher if Underwood, a Michigan native, decides to become a Michigan Man.