LSU and Michigan battling for 2025 No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood

With every top quarterback in the 2024 class already committed to a program, eyes are turning toward Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall passer and recruit in the 2025 class.

The Belleville (Mich.) star is ranked as a top-five recruit — regardless of position — by every major recruiting service. And given his position, he will continue to draw attention as his recruitment heats up.

And while he hasn’t named favorites in his recruitment, two teams that continue to be connected to his name are Michigan and LSU. Those two are the only programs he visited in July, and as his Jan. 6 commitment date get closer by the day, most believe it will come down to the Wolverines and Tigers.

“I think [Michigan is] top two right now with LSU,” Wolverine.com insider EJ Holland said Thursday during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show. “That was one of the biggest storylines coming out of July just a couple of weeks ago. Or about a month ago now. He made two unofficial visits — one to LSU and one to Michigan. He had a multi-day visit to LSU, spent some time in Baton Rouge around Brian Kelly and that staff. And then immediately came back home and made an unofficial visit for the last day of the BBQ at the Big House, which is Michigan’s annual big recruiting event at the end of July.”

Wolverines and Kirk Campbell have made him their No. 1 priority

While Michigan has seen plenty of turnover on its offensive coaching staff, particularly with quarterbacks coaches, in the past few years, new QBs coach Kirk Campbell is locked in with Underwood. The two have built a strong connection, and he continues to lead the charge in that recruitment. According to Holland though, this will ultimately come down to a battle of head coaches between Brian Kelly and Jim Harbaugh.

“I think he has developed a really strong relationship with new Michigan quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell,” Holland said. “But as you know, with five-star quarterbacks or any high-profile quarterbacks, it’s going to come down to Jim Harbaugh. He’s the head coach, he’s the guy who played quarterback at Michigan, who played quarterback in the league. And he’s going to have to personally win this recruitment for the Wolverines. And I think Jim has done a fantastic job.”

Underwood does, however, have significant interest in playing in the SEC. And the momentum around LSU’s program after a strong start to Kelly’s tenure is palpable. The Wolverines will be working against that as they try to keep the state’s No. 1 recruit home after missing on Five-Star Plus+ QB Dante Moore in the 2023 class.

“I think Bryce Underwood does have a wandering eye to play in the south,” Holland added. “He loves what LSU has done recently, and they have a lot to pitch as well with the new staff. And playing in the SEC is obviously something that is appealing to him. I think it’s a heated battle right now.”