LSU on Verge of Losing Elite 5-Star QB Recruit to Michigan Football and $10.5M NIL Deal

The world of college football recruiting just got a whole lot wilder. In a bombshell report that’s sent shockwaves through both LSU and Michigan football circles, On3 has revealed that Michigan is preparing to make a massive financial offer to Bryce Underwood, the five-star quarterback who has been committed to LSU for years. Underwood, one of the most highly sought-after recruits in recent memory, is reportedly being targeted by Michigan with an offer worth $10.5 million over four years — and if the Wolverines can pull this off, LSU might lose one of its biggest commitments in program history.

LSU’s Early Dominance in the Underwood Recruitment

Back in 2022, LSU made a major statement in the recruiting world when they beat out Michigan to land Underwood, who was then just 16 years old. Hailing from Belleville, Michigan, Underwood was considered the top talent in his state, and LSU’s ability to steal him away from Michigan — a powerhouse program in its own right — was seen as a huge coup for Brian Kelly and the Tigers. It was a recruitment victory that solidified LSU’s growing reputation for landing top-tier quarterbacks and attracting national-level talent.

But now, less than a year from Underwood’s expected freshman debut at LSU, the situation has taken a stunning turn.

The Alleged $10.5 Million NIL Deal

According to On3’s report, Michigan is reportedly offering Underwood a $10.5 million NIL deal over four years. While the deal is not yet finalized, the number is staggering and would likely set a new precedent for high school athletes entering college football. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals have already transformed the landscape of recruiting, with high school stars now able to command seven-figure offers from top programs — and Michigan is clearly willing to make an aggressive push.

The potential offer is not just about the money; it’s about the long-term security that such a deal can provide. Underwood’s talent is undeniable, and a contract like this would offer him financial stability and the ability to profit from his name, image, and likeness as he makes his way into the collegiate ranks. While LSU has historically been a powerhouse in the world of college football, the new NIL landscape means that other schools, like Michigan, with massive budgets and passionate fanbases, can compete financially in ways they never could before.

The Pressure on LSU and Brian Kelly

If Michigan’s reported offer stands, it puts LSU in a precarious position. Underwood has been firmly committed to LSU for a long time, but with a deal of this magnitude on the table, it would be hard for any teenager to ignore the financial opportunity that comes with playing for a program like Michigan, especially with the added security of a guaranteed NIL contract.

Michigan is coming off a down season where they currently sit at 5-5, far from the championship-caliber program they were last year. The Wolverines are clearly rebuilding, and landing a generational quarterback like Underwood could be the catalyst they need to quickly turn things around. Underwood could be the face of the program and a potential starter as early as 2025, a rare opportunity for a freshman quarterback.

On the other hand, LSU is facing its own challenges, with a second straight loss to Alabama effectively ending their hopes of making the College Football Playoff this season. The Tigers are a team in transition, and while head coach Brian Kelly has already made strides with the program, the pressure to keep a top recruit like Underwood is mounting. LSU’s deep pockets in the NIL game will certainly help, but as this situation shows, Michigan is clearly willing to spend big to pry the talented QB away.

NIL’s Growing Influence in College Football Recruiting

This scenario is a prime example of how NIL has revolutionized the recruiting process in college football. Once upon a time, recruits made their decisions based on coaching relationships, campus visits, and football traditions. Today, financial incentives — in the form of NIL deals — have become just as influential as any of those factors.

Underwood’s situation represents the new normal for high-level recruits: high-dollar offers are now on the table from almost every top program, and they have the leverage to dictate where they’ll go based on their potential earning power. In some cases, money can be the deciding factor, with schools now competing to secure recruits with lucrative NIL deals that can offer the athletes a path to significant financial freedom before they even step foot on the field.

LSU Faces a Reckoning

For LSU, the possibility of losing Underwood is a significant blow. Not only is he a generational talent, but he is also the future face of the program. Underwood’s stats this season are staggering: he’s already thrown for 2,584 yards and 32 total touchdowns through just 10 games, with an impressive 147.8 passer rating. A quarterback of his caliber could have an immediate impact on LSU’s offense and help them compete for SEC titles in the years to come.

But with Michigan’s deep pockets and its potential to offer Underwood a long-term NIL deal, LSU now faces an uphill battle to keep the highly coveted recruit in Baton Rouge. The pressure is on Brian Kelly and LSU’s recruiting staff to either match or exceed Michigan’s offer or risk losing one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the country.

A New Chapter in College Football Recruiting

This developing story is a perfect example of how NIL is rewriting the recruiting playbook. As the rich get richer and schools like Michigan and LSU use their resources to lure top-tier talent with big-money deals, it’s becoming clear that the future of college football may be decided as much by financial offers as by football programs’ prestige or success on the field.

For now, all eyes are on Bryce Underwood. Will LSU be able to fend off Michigan’s massive offer and keep the five-star QB in Baton Rouge? Or will Michigan manage to steal the crown jewel of LSU’s 2025 class? This high-stakes recruiting battle is far from over, and the next few weeks could determine the future of both programs — and the career of one of the country’s most highly touted quarterbacks.