Sports

Michigan’s $12 Million Quarterback Wasn’t The Most Expensive ’25 Recruit, Says ACC Source

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Tennessee football player David Sanders.

iStockphoto / © Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


Much of the 2025 recruiting class has already locked in their next destinations as the college football recruiting period comes to a close. On3 Sports broke down this year’s highest spenders in a story on Wednesday.

Within that breakdown, Pete Nakos asked a variety of questions as they relate to the most recent cycle. One revolved around the most expensive players in the class, one of which might surprise readers.

Nakos asked both NIL collectives and college staffers about the highest-paid player in the 2025 class. Most would immediately point to Bryce Underwood, the top overall prospect in the cycle.

Originally committed to LSU, he flipped that pledge ahead of the early signing day after Michigan offered a reported $12 million deal. The quarterback’s name was mentioned by nearly all the sources contacted by On3. That was to be expected.

There was another name that stood out, though, to one ACC collective. David Sanders signed with Tennessee this December, choosing the Vols over Nebraska, Ohio State, and SEC rival Georgia. The source says Sanders’ price tag was higher than Underwood’s.

Sanders is a five-star offensive lineman from the state of North Carolina. He had no ACC schools in his Final Four but had the likes of UNC and Clemson heavily involved in his recruitment.

In the end, Tennessee won out – and they had to open up the checkbook to do so. The ACC collective source suggested that Sanders stood alone in his payout with no mention of Bryce Underwood.

David Sanders is considered a Top 10 recruit, regardless of position. Most tab him as the top offensive line product in the class. Tennessee got a big win on the recruiting trail with his commitment.

While the Vols reportedly spent big to land the five-star talent, they were rarely referenced as the top overall spender by those sources. Those honors went to the usual suspects of Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Ohio State.

NIL has changed recruiting. College football programs are spending more than ever. Bidding wars often take place. Universities are hiring larger staffs to oversee roster management. The entire operation continues to grow as teams look to secure the top talent.

With that said, there’s no guarantee that it will result in wins. Ohio State cashed in on its expensive roster with a national title run this past season. We’ve seen others crash and burn after forking out big bucks on the recruiting trail, too. We’ll soon see how it works out for Tennessee!

Sanders could be a Day 1 starter in Knoxville, and the Vols have reason to get him on the field early to best cash in on that investment. Given his ceiling, he could very well hit the NFL Draft as a junior. Tennessee wants to get all they can for the price paid.