Bryce Underwood, a former LSU football commit, explains why he switched to Michigan.

In the world of college football recruiting, decisions are never made lightly. Players commit to schools for various reasons, ranging from academic programs to the allure of a prestigious football program. And sometimes, those decisions evolve over time. For Bryce Underwood, one of the top high school football recruits in the nation, his journey took a notable turn when he decommitted from LSU and ultimately chose to commit to the University of Michigan. This decision sent shockwaves through both the LSU and Michigan fanbases, with each side keen to understand why Underwood made the change. Here’s a deep dive into why Bryce Underwood switched his commitment from LSU to Michigan and what this means for both programs.

The Early Promise: A Look at Bryce Underwood’s Football Career

Bryce Underwood’s football journey began in the state of Michigan, where he quickly became a household name due to his incredible talent. Playing as a quarterback for his high school team, Underwood demonstrated leadership, poise under pressure, and a natural ability to read defenses and make accurate throws. As a result, he caught the attention of college programs across the country, and soon after, he received offers from many of the top schools in the nation.

Underwood’s physical attributes made him an ideal prospect for a major program. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 225 pounds, he possessed the ideal size and athleticism for a modern-day quarterback. Combined with his football IQ and arm strength, it wasn’t long before Underwood became a five-star recruit and one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in his class.

Initially, it seemed like Underwood would remain close to home and join the ranks of Michigan’s impressive recruiting class. In fact, he committed to LSU in 2023, much to the excitement of the Tigers’ fanbase. At the time, LSU had a burgeoning reputation for developing quarterbacks, especially with recent success under head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. But despite his initial commitment to LSU, Underwood’s decision-making process was still evolving, and soon, he began to reconsider his future.

The Road to Decommitting from LSU

While it’s common for recruits to change their minds, the decision to decommit from LSU still raised some eyebrows. At the time of his commitment, LSU was known for its dynamic offensive play and its position as a perennial contender in the SEC. With players like Joe Burrow leading the team to a national title and a quarterback-friendly system in place, LSU appeared to be the perfect landing spot for Underwood. However, things began to shift over time.

According to Underwood, the initial attraction to LSU was undeniable. The school offered him a platform to compete for a national championship and the chance to play under a highly respected coaching staff. However, as he continued to build a relationship with the LSU staff, he realized that the program’s culture might not be the right fit for him. Underwood began to question if the coaching staff, despite their talents, would truly be able to help him develop to his fullest potential.

Over the course of several months, Underwood also found that there were subtle differences in the way LSU approached recruiting and the environment within the program. Despite LSU’s winning pedigree, Underwood ultimately felt that there were other schools better aligned with his long-term goals. These realizations led him to reconsider his options, ultimately resulting in his decision to decommit from LSU.

The Michigan Appeal: Why the Wolverines Stood Out

Once Bryce Underwood decommitted from LSU, he was immediately thrust back into the recruitment spotlight. With offers still rolling in from a variety of elite programs, Underwood knew that he had to make an informed decision that would benefit his future—not just as a player, but as a student and individual. As he weighed his options, one school stood out more than any other: the University of Michigan.

Michigan, a football powerhouse in its own right, had long been a program that Underwood respected. The Wolverines had recently found themselves back in the College Football Playoff picture and boasted an offense that emphasized balance, efficiency, and development. Under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan had established a winning culture, one that was rooted in a commitment to both player development and team success.

For Underwood, the most significant appeal of Michigan was its coaching staff, which he felt would be instrumental in his development as a quarterback. Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback and a coach known for his quarterback-centric system, provided a unique opportunity for Underwood to be molded into a true leader at the next level. Harbaugh’s track record of success with quarterbacks, including his work with players like Andrew Luck at Stanford and developing Michigan quarterbacks such as Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, resonated with Underwood. He believed that Harbaugh’s experience and expertise could take his game to new heights.

Another key factor that influenced Underwood’s decision was the culture at Michigan. The Wolverines had established a reputation for a tough, blue-collar mentality, which Underwood admired. The sense of community and tradition that surrounded Michigan football was something that Underwood saw as a perfect fit for his personality and playing style. While LSU certainly had its own storied history, Underwood felt that Michigan’s academic prestige and family-oriented atmosphere were better suited for his long-term aspirations.

A Focus on Player Development: How Michigan’s System Fit Underwood

When it comes to recruiting quarterbacks, Michigan has long been known for its ability to develop talent. The Wolverines don’t just recruit players based on their raw athleticism; they focus on developing a quarterback’s mental approach, decision-making skills, and football IQ. For Underwood, this was a critical factor in his decision to commit to Michigan.

Underwood had always prided himself on his football IQ and understanding of the game. He wanted a coaching staff that would challenge him mentally, push him to improve, and provide him with a system that emphasized both individual development and team success. At Michigan, he found a staff that embraced these principles.

One of the biggest attractions was Michigan’s balanced offensive system. While LSU was known for its explosive, pass-heavy offense under previous head coach Ed Orgeron, Michigan’s more balanced attack was a perfect fit for Underwood’s skill set. Michigan’s offense, which blends both running and passing elements, allows quarterbacks to thrive in a system that prioritizes decision-making and reading the defense. Underwood recognized that this type of offense would not only prepare him for college football but also set him up for success at the next level.

Additionally, Michigan’s commitment to developing quarterbacks made it an attractive destination. Harbaugh’s coaching staff had demonstrated an ability to take quarterbacks who weren’t necessarily considered “prototypical” NFL prospects and help them develop into highly successful players. Underwood was drawn to the opportunity to work with a staff that had a proven track record of developing quarterbacks and creating high-functioning offenses.

The Role of Family and Personal Connections

Beyond the football aspect, family played a significant role in Underwood’s decision-making process. Growing up in Michigan, Underwood had always been close to his family and wanted a situation where they could easily be part of his journey. While LSU offered him national exposure and the chance to play in the SEC, Underwood recognized that Michigan would allow him to stay closer to home, where his family could support him more directly. His decision to commit to Michigan was, in many ways, a way to honor his roots and stay connected to his community.

Furthermore, Underwood formed personal connections with Michigan’s coaching staff and players, which made him feel comfortable with his decision. The staff’s genuine interest in his personal development, both on and off the field, was something that he found unique compared to other programs. This connection made Underwood feel valued and respected, which ultimately played a crucial role in his choice to switch commitments.

What This Means for LSU and Michigan

For LSU, losing Underwood was undoubtedly a disappointment. The Tigers had invested significant time and resources in recruiting him, and Underwood was seen as a future star quarterback who could help lead LSU to SEC championships and beyond. However, the decommitment is not the end of LSU’s recruitment efforts. The Tigers are still one of the most attractive destinations for quarterbacks and will continue to pursue top-tier talent to fill the void left by Underwood.

For Michigan, landing Bryce Underwood is a huge win. The Wolverines now have one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in their 2025 recruiting class, a player with the potential to lead them to national championships and further cement their place as a premier college football program. With Underwood at the helm, Michigan has the chance to maintain its status as one of the most successful teams in the Big Ten and make a serious push for the College Football Playoff.

Conclusion

Bryce Underwood’s decision to decommit from LSU and ultimately choose Michigan was a highly personal one, based on a combination of football, family, and overall fit. Michigan’s ability to provide the development, environment, and opportunity he was looking for made it the ideal place for Underwood to continue his football journey. For LSU, this decision may sting in the short term, but the Tigers will undoubtedly bounce back with more talent on the horizon. For Michigan, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, as they now have one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation committed to their program.

Underwood’s decision is a reminder of how recruiting is never truly over and how players must evaluate their options carefully, taking into account both their athletic and personal needs. As he prepares for his future in Ann Arbor, Underwood has set the stage for what could be a very successful career—one that fans from both LSU and Michigan will be watching closely.