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Five-star+ QB signee Bryce Underwood discusses flipping to Michigan, competing with potential transfer, offensive coordinator vacancy

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•12/04/24•

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Bryce Underwood
Michigan Wolverines football quarterback Bryce Underwood and defensive back Elijah Dotson

BELLEVILLE, Mich. — It’s official: Belleville (Mich.) High five-star+ quarterback Bryce Underwood has signed with Michigan Wolverines football. The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class was previously committed to Louisiana State but announced Nov. 21 he would stay near home in Ann Arbor.

Michigan didn’t stop recruiting Underwood even after he pledged to the Tigers in January, and the pursuit ramped up in recent months. The truth is, the Wolverines were always near the top of the 6-foot-4, 214-pounder’s mind.

“Michigan was in my top three no matter where it was,” Underwood said. “Because, one, it’s hometown, the education. … Best football team in Michigan, and also the winningest team in the country.”

Added Underwood, on when he realized the Wolverines were the team for him: “Honestly, when I had to figure out where my perspective was and everything that helped my family out the most. And also me knowing what I needed from the school as well.”

In his commitment video, there was a shot from 2016, when Underwood looked at the camera and said he wanted to take his “talents” to Michigan. While he was an LSU commit for some time, he eventually got his wish.

“Your dream has come true,” Underwood said of what he’d tell his younger self.

Underwood grew up a Michigan fan and said his favorite players were defensive back/linebacker Jabrill Peppers and quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner.

“Honestly, it just comes with hard work, and that’s what I’ve been preparing for my entire life,” he said of the spotlight he’s in. “Hard work has been my main motto my entire life, pushing me through whatever I need to get through.”

Both Michigan and LSU made pay-for-play pitches to Underwood and Co., plus athletes are set to begin earning revenue sharing dollars starting next season. Underwood said the main reason why he chose Michigan, though, was the university.

“Honestly, school,” Underwood said of what stood out. “School is a big thing with me. My education is everything. And also me pushing my hometown state, my hometown college to the next level, to win a couple national championships.”

On if the national championship is the goal, Underwood replied, “Definitely. No question.”

Michigan has struggled at the quarterback position so far this season, ranking 130th of 134 FBS teams with 133.6 passing yards per contest, so there may be an opportunity to play early. Underwood didn’t make any bold statements about wanting to start right away, though.

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

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said there have been discussions surrounding bringing in at least another quarterback from the transfer portal. Underwood is willing to compete with whoever’s in the room.

“Competition is competition,” Underwood said. “No matter who they bring in or who’s there, no matter what I’m still going to compete.”

His goal for his first season in college is to “be the best I can possibly be. That’s it.”

Michigan let go of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell following a 13-10 win over Ohio State, and Moore is in the process of conducting a national search for his replacement. Underwood hasn’t been too wrapped up on who the next play-caller will be, he noted.

“It’s a process no matter what. I’m willing to be the best no matter who the coach is,” the signee said.

“We really haven’t focused on that. That’s really not the conversation. That’s his job to pick [the new Coordinator]. So that’s not in my hands or anything like that. But overall, no matter who it is, I will adjust. I’m very good at adjusting. I’m very good at processing and learning.”

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