There’s no question that Michigan was in the best position to land 2025 five-star QB Bryce Underwood. The 6-3, 205-pound prospect out of Belleville (MI) was a local kid who watched Michigan go on an incredible run during the 2023 season, a run that ultimately ended with a perfect 15-0 record and a National Championship. But just two days before Michigan was set to play Washington in the National Championship game, Underwood announced that he had committed to LSU.
While most believe the decision had plenty to do with NIL, Underwood recently provided a bit of insight into why he didn’t choose to stay home and become a Wolverine. His reasoning? Michigan’s lack of development at the quarterback position.
“Development at the quarterback position,” Underwood said. “As you go as far as like history and things like that, that was the big thing for me. For Michigan, you got…”
Underwood then took a long pause, as if to suggest he couldn’t think of any examples of quarterback development at the University of Michigan.
“Like, you don’t have the same amount of development as LSU does at the moment.”
Underwood went on to say that head coach Brian Kelly’s system at LSU was a better fit, and acknowledged that he believes LSU will surround him with the talent he needs to be successful. He was also asked about NIL and the impact that type of thing had on his decision, but Underwood said that his main focus was putting himself in the best position to make it to the NFL.
As of now, Michigan’s 2025 class consists of just five commitments, including three-star quarterback Carter Smith. There’s certainly a chance that Underwood could have a change of heart in the coming months, especially if Michigan makes another National Championship run in 2024. But unless something dramatic changes with Michigan’s offensive philosophy this upcoming season, prospects like Underwood will likely continue to look elsewhere.
