Bryce Underwood is currently committed to play college football at LSU but Michigan is trying to change his mind with a historic NIL deal worth more than $10 million. However, the five-star quarterback does not seem to be as interested in money as the Wolverines hope.
He appeared to hint at his decision on Instagram with a cryptic post that was quickly deleted.
Underwood, a native of Michigan, grew up approximately 30 minutes from Ann Arbor. Connor Stalions (yes, that Connor Stalions) is currently serving as an assistant coach for his high school football team and will surely whisper in his ear. Meanwhile, the Champions Circle collective is preparing to offer more than $2.5 million per year over four years to a 17-year-old who won’t turn 18 until August.
There is only one problem with the Wolverines’ approach. Underwood does not seem as interested in money as they had hoped. He committed to play for the Tigers back in January in large part because of offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. He wants to get developed, win a national championship, win a Heisman Trophy and get drafted No. 1 overall into the NFL. If all things go according to plan, there is a lot more money to be made down the road in the pros than right now in college.
In the meantime, LSU is reportedly offering ~$5 million so it’s not like Underwood will go broke if he doesn’t pick Michigan. And it doesn’t appear as though he is going to.
Is Bryce Underwood serious or is he trolling?
Underwood taunted Sherrone Moore and his staff on his Instagram story shortly after the reports about a $10 million NIL deal first hit the internet. He later followed up with a pretty definitive statement, which was deleted after approximately three hours.
While Underwood’s post seems to be a pretty clear indication of what is about to happen, the Wolverines remain optimistic. Perhaps to a fault. They don’t seem to believe there is any truth behind the messaging.
FWIW, being told the post was an intentional troll. I am not trying to blow smoke up your butt but U-M has yet to receive any kind of official turndown. They may never get one, who knows at this point.
That’s what I know at this moment A whole lotta nothin’ […]
To be crystal clear: I am just laying out what I am hearing. I am not trying to manufacture hope and suggest Michigan is still in this thing. LSU could very well be the choice. U-M hasn’t been officially told “no” yet. Which could mean anything.
— Josh Henschke of Rivals.com
As is typically the case with a high-profile recruitment, it seems like there is a lot of smoke on both sides. The Tigers seem pretty confident in the commitment they received 11 months ago. These most recent posts from/by Underwood would certainly give them reason to think it is a done deal.
Plus, Bryce Underwood was just on campus in Baton Rouge for a visit over the weekend. He has not visited Ann Arbor in years, even though it is literally just up the street.
On the flip side of the equation, Michigan has yet to give up hope because the nation’s top-ranked recruit has not formally declined its monstrous offer. It will continue to push for a flip right up until the deadline. Underwood could either lock in his decision during the Early Signing Period next or wait until National Signing Day in February.