Michigan QB Bryce Underwood finishes 2025 cycle as On3's No. 1 recruit

Bryce Underwood shocked the recruiting world late last year when he flipped to Michigan, and he finished the 2025 cycle as the top recruit in the country. For the first time since 2016, the Wolverines officially signed the nation’s No. 1 recruit.

The 6-4, 214-pound Belleville (Mich.) High superstar decided to stay home and flip from LSU to Michigan Nov. 21. He signed with the program Dec. 4, joined the team for bowl practices and enrolled earlier this month. On3 released its final class of 2025 rankings Thursday, naming Underwood the No. 1 recruit in the country and the No. 1 quarterback nationally.

For this recruiting cycle, the best in Michigan stayed in Michigan. He was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state and is considered a generational quarterback prospect by many.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be the best,” Underwood said after signing with the Wolverines.

Underwood is one of two five-star signees for Michigan this cycle, joining offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, who checked in at No. 14 nationally in Thursday’s rankings. Three of the four recruiting services finalized the quarterback’s ranking at No. 1. Rivals slotted him at No. 3.

His ranking carries the elusive rating of “100,” bumping him up 1 point from 99. On3 had never given out that rating until today.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore heaped praise on the Five-Star+ signal-caller during an interview with On3 after signing day.

“He’s as good as any high school quarterback I’ve seen play football,” Moore said.

“From a throwing aspect? Throwing out of the pocket, dropping back. He hasn’t done much under center but wants to and can. From a running aspect? He can run it,” said Moore. “He can do everything you want. He’s super smart. He’s super intuitive. He’s got great touch. He’s got great, you know, arm strength and everything you want.”

Underwood was the first top-ranked recruit to sign with Michigan since Rashan Gary— a future first round NFL Draft pick.

Here’s On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Powers’ scouting report on Underwood.

“Premier arm talent who is one of the more gifted high school quarterback prospects in the last 5-10 cycles. Combination of arm strength, pocket feel, processing ability and athleticism makes him the top quarterback in the 2025 cycle. Owns a wide-shouldered frame, measuring in at 6-foot-4, 214 pounds with 10-inch hands at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Touts a big-time arm with the ability to drive the ball with velocity to all levels of the field. Has the ability to touch every area of the field with ease.

“Throws a very tight spiral that amplifies the velocity on the tail of his passes. Has shown advanced skill as a passer. Comfortable delivering over the middle of the field from within the pocket. Consistently sticks the ball on receivers against tight coverage. Shows the ability to layer passes with touch and high-level location, especially downfield. Demonstrates the best pocket presence in the cycle entering the senior season. A vertical mover in the pocket who navigates pressure at a level well beyond his years.

“Has rhythmic feet when operating within structure. Doubles as a run threat with the ability to make defenders miss in space. Added top-end speed and improved as a runner as a senior, showing the ability to pick up chunk gains and outrun defenders at the second level. One of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the cycle, touting a 49-4 record as a starter with two state titles.

“Finished his career with the state record for total touchdowns (173) and passing touchdowns (143). Completed 65% of his passes for 3,329 yards (12.1 yards per attempt) and 41 touchdowns against 3 interceptions as a junior. Has longer arms and has a tendency to drop his elbow and hunch at times within his throwing motion. Team often raced out to big leads, allowing for fewer high-leverage and playmaking opportunities as a junior and senior. Very young for the cycle with an August birthday and could technically be a 2026 prospect. Has considerable physical upside and room for continued growth.”