Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) calls a play against River Rouge during the first half of the Prep Kickoff Classic at Tom Adams Field at Wayne State University in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
The country’s No. 1 player will announce his signing in less than a month.
The top target on Michigan football’s recruiting board, regardless of class, is 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. Ranked the No. 1 player in the country, Underwood is a generational talent living just 20 minutes from Ann Arbor in Belleville, Michigan.
Michigan football recruited Underwood as much as anyone in the country and is considered one of its top two players with LSU. Underwood is expected to announce his signing on January 6.
Where is Michigan now? Well, currently, LSU is the favorite. Although the Tigers haven’t had a great season, their quarterback just won the Heisman and it’s clear that LSU is a QB-friendly school.
There is also speculation that the Tigers are offering a large no-fee deal, although Underwood will make big money no matter where he goes. If I had to guess today, I would predict Underwood at LSU.
However, Michigan football has the chance of a lifetime to turn the tide here. Literally. Michigan can impress Bryce Underwood with Rose Bowl victory Michigan welcomes Alabama’s SEC class on New Year’s Day.
There is a feeling across the country that the SEC is a cut above other conferences. And it’s hard to argue against that based on recent history. Michigan football has the opportunity to upend this narrative.
By beating Alabama and earning a spot in the national championship game, Michigan will have changed the way the country views the Big Ten, and Michigan in particular.
This will definitely create some momentum. The Wolverines would make a phenomenal final shot at Underwood if he were to play in the national championship a few days after his scheduled commitment.
Likewise, it will probably take a phenomenal performance from JJ McCarthy for the Wolverines to pull it off: another push.
Michigan also needs to finalize Jim Harbaugh’s contract before Underwood commits. Recruits need to know that the coach recruiting them will stay at that school. If Michigan wants to have a chance, they need to extend Jim Harbaugh.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Jim Harbaugh must visit Underwood before the commitment or convince Underwood to visit Ann Arbor. In any case, there must be personal contact between the two.
Harbaugh is still a great recruiter, so he will have to be the one to get the job done. Underwood visited The Game and was impressed, but the Wolverines still have work to do.
In the coming weeks, Michigan will have a phenomenal opportunity to make a splash on the schedule; By expanding Harbaugh and beating Alabama, the Wolverines can silence all the doubters and show recruits that they can compete in the SEC. It will be a really fun time. Turn blue!
