LSU five-star commits Bryce Underwood, Harlem Berry discuss NIL misconceptions

LSU coach Brian Kelly raised some eyebrows earlier this month when he spoke out against “buying players.”

“We were in the market in recruiting in the transfer portal, looking for defensive linemen,” Kelly told WAFB-TV’s Jacques Doucet. “It hasn’t fared very well, quite frankly. Because we’re selling something a little differently and that is – we want to recruit, we want to engage, build relationships, develop, retain, and have success.

“We’re not in the market of buying players. And unfortunately, right now, that’s what some guys are looking for. They want to be bought.”

Kelly’s comments come as lawsuits have rendered the NCAA powerless over NIL and the transfer portal. Third-party, booster-funded NIL collectives have become imperative to retaining and attracting top high school and transfer portal talent. And with the recent House v. NCAA settlement agreement, revenue sharing is coming to the top schools in the sport.

Not “buying” any defensive tackles has led to some misconceptions about LSU’s NIL budget. Bayou Traditions, the primary collective for Tigers football, is operating on a roughly $8 million budget, according to NOLA.com. Multiple sources tell On3 that the top collectives in the country are spending between $13 to $20 million annually.

LSU commits are locked in with Tigers

Five-star LSU commits Bryce Underwood and Harlem Berry are not worried about dispelling NIL misconceptions. The quarterback-running back duo is locked in with the Tigers and confident they’ll earn what they want from their work on the field and eventually in the NFL.

“[People think] We don’t give what people deserve, but really and truly you get what you deserve,” said Berry, who has not visited any other campuses since committing to LSU. “You really shouldn’t be focused on money. You’re just trying to ball when you go to LSU. … That’s the main goal, just being a team player you want to win a natty with your boys.”

Underwood is the No. 1 recruit and quarterback in the 2025 class. His close relationship with LSU quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan has played a significant role in continuing to stick with the Tigers. He picked LSU over Alabama and Michigan. Similar to his future running back, Underwood is talking to zero schools other than the Tigers. The primary goal for June is to help build out LSU’s recruiting class.

The quarterback also knows NFL money will dwarf anything he makes off NIL during his college career, making development the top factor in his decision. He won’t have any trouble finding endorsement deals, however, already touting 92,000 social media followers. With a high-level recruitment, Bryce Underwood’s recruitment already carries weight.

“It’s mainly about what I’m trying to get to,” he said. “My main goal is the NFL, first draft pick. Money going to be the last thing I’m thinking about until I get to the league.

“Just keep the main thing, the main thing.”