LSU’s downward spiral on the field has officially spilled over to recruits who have yet to reach campus. Elite 2025 quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood has flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. Underwood is the nation’s top-rated quarterback and overall prospect for 2025.
Underwood Flips Commitment
Consequences of the Loss
The elite prospect had been committed to Brian Kelly and LSU since January of 2024 and has yet to visit Michigan’s campus for a game this year. The Tigers’ collapse of late with three consecutive losses couldn’t have come at a worse time. Michigan has reportedly offered Underwood over $10 million dollars recently to join its class.
Underwood has ideal size, mobility, and arm strength. His decision to flip to Michigan will likely influence other commitments, particularly at the skill positions. 6’6” wide receiver Derek Meadows is a name to watch now that Underwood has decided to go elsewhere.
The Underwood flip could also eventually affect the coaching staff. Even with the team’s recent offensive struggles, recently promoted offensive coordinator Joe Sloan was thought to be safe due to his relationship with Underwood. Considering this news and more bad news likely to come, it’s a real possibility that nobody is currently safe on the LSU staff.
Slim Pickings at Quarterback
The pressure is on LSU to retain the players that remain in its class, but the staff also has to target another quarterback. Underwood’s flip comes very late in the recruiting cycle. There is only one uncommitted quarterback left in the top 20 in the 247 Composite rankings. Kelly does not have a relationship with him, so he’ll have to look in the portal. Garrett Nussmeier will likely return for 2025, but he obviously needs competition at the position.
On the bright side (if there is one), Underwood’s departure frees up NIL money that would otherwise be spent. LSU has employed a strategy of allocating more money to high school prospects than portal prospects. Depending on what else happens from now until signing day, that might have to change.
