Michigan is aiming to resolve its quarterback challenges with the recent verbal commitment of five-star recruit Bryce Underwood, a native of the state and currently ranked as the No. 2 player in the high school class of 2025. Underwood’s commitment comes at a crucial time as the Wolverines find themselves with a 5-5 record in the 2024 regular season, and only two games remaining.
Underwood had previously committed to LSU but chose to flip to Michigan, signifying a major victory for the Wolverines. This would make him the highest-ranked recruit to join the program since Rashan Gary in 2016. Additionally, he would be the first five-star recruit from Rivals to sign with Michigan since defensive back Will Johnson in 2022, who has since established himself as a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Interestingly, Underwood attends Belleville High School, which has connections to Connor Stalions, a former Michigan staffer involved in a recent controversy. Despite this connection, the significance of Underwood’s commitment cannot be understated, especially as Michigan has faced difficulties securing top-tier in-state quarterbacks in past recruitment cycles. The Wolverines desperately need to stabilize their offense under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, who expressed his excitement over Underwood’s commitment on social media.
This season, Michigan has struggled with inconsistent quarterback play, with three different starters combining for less than 60% completion and a total of nine touchdowns against nine interceptions. Given these stats, Underwood’s potential addition could be a game-changer for the team’s future.
If Underwood signs during the early signing period in December, he will have the chance to enroll early and participate in spring practices, which could set him up for success as he transitions to college football. Currently, with Underwood on board, Michigan’s recruiting class stands at 19 players, ranking provisionally at No. 11 in Rivals’ national rankings.
In summary, Underwood’s commitment represents a hopeful turn for the Wolverines as they work to enhance their offensive capabilities and talent pool in the coming seasons. His arrival could not only bolster the quarterback position but also inspire a renewed competitive spirit within the program.