Bryce Underwood lists three key “Big Factors” that influence his decision to choose Michigan over LSU.
In the world of college football recruiting, the decision of one elite prospect can send shockwaves through the sport. This is especially true when that recruit is one of the most highly sought-after players in the nation, capable of changing the trajectory of a program for years to come. Bryce Underwood, a dynamic quarterback from Michigan, recently made headlines when he announced his commitment to the University of Michigan over other powerhouse programs, including LSU.
Underwood’s decision is not only a big win for Michigan, but it also signals the continued success of head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff in securing top-tier talent. As one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, Underwood has been courted by some of the most prestigious football programs in the country, with LSU being one of the major competitors in his recruitment process. Ultimately, Underwood chose Michigan, citing several key factors that weighed heavily on his decision.
In an exclusive interview, Underwood shared the “Big Factors” that influenced his decision to commit to Michigan over LSU, and it was these factors that ultimately made him feel that Ann Arbor was the right place for him. In this article, we will break down these three “Big Factors” in detail, analyzing how they helped sway the 5-star quarterback’s commitment to the Wolverines. We will also examine the implications of Underwood’s decision for both Michigan and LSU, and how this commitment could shape the future of college football’s elite programs.
The Big Factor 1: Michigan’s Close Proximity to Home
One of the most significant factors in Bryce Underwood’s decision to commit to Michigan over LSU was the close proximity of the university to his home in Detroit. For any recruit, the location of the program plays a crucial role in their college decision, and for Underwood, staying close to home was an important consideration. Being from Michigan, the Wolverines were always a natural fit for Underwood, and the convenience of being able to stay close to family and friends was a significant advantage for Michigan.
While LSU, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offered a premier football program with all the appeal of the SEC, the geographical distance between LSU and Detroit was a major factor that could have made things more complicated for Underwood. As a high-profile recruit, Underwood would undoubtedly face a high level of scrutiny and attention throughout his college career, and having the support of family and close friends nearby can be crucial in such a high-pressure environment.
At Michigan, Underwood has the chance to continue his academic and athletic career while still being able to easily visit home, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy the comfort of a familiar environment. Being close to home offers a sense of stability and comfort that can make all the difference in the life of a young athlete. For Underwood, Michigan was a place where he could thrive both on and off the field, and this proximity to home became one of the most important factors in his decision-making process.
For Michigan, having a top-tier in-state recruit like Underwood choose to stay home is a major victory. Michigan has long been a staple of Big Ten football, but keeping elite talent from within the state has always been essential for maintaining their competitiveness at the national level. Underwood’s decision to stay home speaks to the strength of Michigan’s program and its appeal to local recruits.
The Big Factor 2: The Relationship with Michigan’s Coaching Staff
Another “Big Factor” that played a crucial role in Bryce Underwood’s decision was his relationship with Michigan’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. College recruits are not only choosing a university for its reputation and facilities—they are also committing to a coaching staff that will guide their development both as players and as individuals. The relationship between a recruit and the coaching staff is an essential component of the decision-making process.
Underwood was impressed with the consistency, professionalism, and commitment of Michigan’s coaches, and their ability to connect with him on both a personal and professional level. Jim Harbaugh, who has built a reputation as one of the most successful and innovative coaches in college football, was a key figure in Underwood’s recruitment. Harbaugh’s track record of developing quarterbacks and leading them to success at both the college and NFL levels was certainly a factor that weighed heavily on Underwood’s mind.
Michigan’s offensive philosophy, which places a heavy emphasis on the quarterback’s development, was also an important consideration for Underwood. With Harbaugh’s experience as both an NFL quarterback and a college coach, Underwood believed that Michigan would provide the ideal environment for his growth as a quarterback. Additionally, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore has developed a reputation for being an effective teacher and mentor, having played a pivotal role in the development of past quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy, who has taken Michigan to new heights in recent years.
For Underwood, the chance to work with a coaching staff that not only understood the intricacies of the quarterback position but also shared his vision for success was a major factor in his decision. The personal attention and guidance from Harbaugh and Moore made him feel that Michigan was the best place for him to grow as a player. Underwood’s trust in Michigan’s coaches was a key aspect that ultimately set the Wolverines apart from other programs like LSU.
The coaching staff’s ability to build a strong and trusting relationship with recruits is one of the defining characteristics of Michigan’s recruiting success. In this case, Underwood’s comfort with the coaching staff, combined with their ability to connect with him on a personal level, helped seal the deal for the Wolverines.
The Big Factor 3: Michigan’s Strong Football Program and National Contender Status
Finally, one of the most significant “Big Factors” in Bryce Underwood’s decision to commit to Michigan was the Wolverines’ status as a national contender. Michigan football has been a powerhouse for decades, and under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the program has been consistently competitive in the Big Ten and on the national stage. The Wolverines have a rich football tradition, with a storied history of success, including multiple national championships and Heisman Trophy winners. In recent years, Michigan has emerged as one of the premier teams in college football, regularly competing for College Football Playoff spots and Big Ten titles.
For Underwood, the chance to play for a team with a strong chance to compete at the highest level was one of the primary draws of Michigan. Michigan’s consistent success, particularly in the Big Ten, made it clear that the Wolverines are serious contenders for national championships. With Michigan continuing to improve year after year and build on its foundation of excellence, Underwood saw an opportunity to not only be part of a winning program but also to help lead it to new heights.
This was a key differentiator when comparing Michigan to LSU, a program that has had its own successes but has experienced some inconsistency in recent years. LSU is a prominent program in the SEC and has produced several elite players, but its recent struggles in the SEC West and the coaching changes have made its program less stable than Michigan’s. Underwood wanted to commit to a team that he knew would provide him with the best chance to compete for championships, and Michigan’s steady rise to the top of the college football landscape played a big part in his decision.
The opportunity to play in high-profile games, against top-tier competition in the Big Ten, and potentially in the College Football Playoff, made Michigan the ideal destination for Underwood. The tradition of excellence, the strong program, and the potential for success on a national scale helped push Michigan ahead of LSU in the recruitment race.
Implications for Michigan and LSU: A Competitive Landscape
Underwood’s commitment to Michigan is a major win for the Wolverines and signals their continued success on the recruiting trail. With Underwood’s talents, Michigan’s quarterback room looks set for years to come, and his presence will undoubtedly bolster the team’s efforts to compete for national titles. The coaching staff’s ability to attract elite talent like Underwood is a testament to their recruiting prowess and their ability to develop players into top-tier college athletes.
On the other hand, LSU’s loss of Underwood is a blow to their recruiting efforts. The Tigers had invested heavily in Underwood, and his decision to stay home and choose Michigan over LSU signals that the program still faces stiff competition for top talent, even in their own region. LSU will continue to recruit at a high level, but Underwood’s commitment to Michigan is a reminder of the intense competition between programs at the top of college football.
