Five-star QB Bryce Underwood's flip from the LSU Tigers to the Michigan Wolverines is the latest in a 2025 recruiting cycle that has been taken over by dramatic QB moves. Earlier Thursday, fellow five-star signal-caller Julian Lewis, who recently decommitted from the USC Trojans, announced his pledge to the Colorado Buffaloes.
That's the top two players in the 2025 ESPN 300 making enormous decisions within hours of each other.
This flip is further evidence that recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint, especially when NIL is involved. Underwood, No. 1 in the 2025 class and from Belleville, Michigan, had been committed to LSU since January 2024, but the Wolverines pushed hard to get the local product to stay home. Sources told ESPN that Michigan stepped up its NIL offering in an effort to swing Underwood's decision.
It's a big recruiting victory for Sherrone Moore and Michigan. Here's what the commitment means for Michigan:
What makes Underwood so good
Underwood has the supreme blend of arm talent, arm strength and physical stature that you want in the position. He brings a total package, mentally and physically, with height, weight, speed, instincts and awareness. He plays with a good base from within the pocket and can pick apart a defense while also creating his own magic. He's an exceptional off-platform thrower and moves smoothly outside the pocket.
He compares to players like Trevor Lawrence from Clemson and the Jacksonville Jaguars and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Underwood, however, has better natural arm strength than Sanders. He is capable as a dual threat but is more of a pure passer who could fit in any scheme. He has the ability to handle the jump from high school to college and be a factor right away.
Why he's No. 1 in the class
Lewis was previously the top-ranked player in the 2026 class before reclassifying to 2025. He was No. 1 in the 2025 class until further evaluation moved Underwood into the top spot.
We considered a few factors in the decision. Lewis is the purer passer. Since the eighth grade, Lewis' fundamentals, consistent mechanics and smooth, quick release have been rare for such a young player. The ball jumps out of his hand effortlessly. However, when we compare measurables, Underwood wins. He is 6-foot-4 and just under 220 pounds compared to Lewis who is 6-1, 195 pounds. Underwood is also a more dynamic athlete, reminiscent of former Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson, and a more accurate passer.
Lewis might have a bit more polish, but Underwood got the top spot because he checks more boxes, physically, at this time.
How Underwood fits at Michigan
A name-brand, prominent program such as Michigan should never lose a high-profile, in-state commitment when it has the resources to compete nationally. With the QB situation in Ann Arbor, this is a big addition.
After J.J. McCarthy left early for the NFL, and they didn't pursue a QB in the transfer portal, the Wolverines went into the season with huge questions at the position. As a result, Michigan started three different players this season -- Davis Warren, Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle -- and all had similar performances. Michigan has not had a QB throw for more than 208 yards in a game this season, and has been held under 100 passing yards three times.
While Orji is a junior and Michigan signed ESPN 300 QB Jadyn Davis in the 2024 class, Underwood would be the most talented player in the room.
Michigan likes to run a multiple, run-first, play-action scheme, but it needs a signal-caller who can produce explosive plays. Furthermore, Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell needs a player who can drive the ball vertically, and Underwood throws a terrific deep ball. Michigan wants to run the football. It wants to be multiple in its personnel groupings, formations shifts and motions, but if the quarterback can't make plays, none of that matters. That is why Underwood is so important. He should, at least, compete right away if not be the starter from day one in Ann Arbor.