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

Making a commitment is a huge decision in the always changing world of college football recruiting, for both the athlete making the decision and the institution that is ultimately selected. One such move that has received a lot of attention lately is that of Bryce Underwood, a highly regarded quarterback prospect who switched his commitment to Michigan after first pledging his future to LSU. Many concerns have been raised by this change in his recruitment, including what caused him to alter his mind and what his dedication to Michigan means for his career and the Wolverines’ football team going forward.

One of the most watched storylines in recent college football history is the recruitment of Bryce Underwood. Throughout his high school career, the young quarterback—who is considered one of the best recruits in the nation—has shown unbelievable potential, displaying a remarkable blend of arm power, accuracy, and football IQ. At first, Underwood’s decision to commit to LSU was viewed as a significant victory for the Tigers because of his potential to be a game-changer at the next level. But his ultimate choice to go to Michigan changed the course of his recruiting and gave an already well-known narrative a new level of drama.

In an honest interview, Bryce Underwood discussed his decision-making process and the reasons he finally decided on Michigan rather than LSU, whom he had previously openly sworn allegiance to. His reasons for changing his mind are more complicated than just personal preference; they include a combination of his long-term football career goals, personal goals, and the special chances Michigan offers.

Bryce Underwood’s Recruitment Journey

To fully understand the significance of Underwood’s decision to switch commitments, it’s important to first look at the journey that brought him to this point. As a highly rated quarterback, Underwood had received offers from virtually every major college football program across the country. His high school performances had caught the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans alike, and it was clear that he was a generational talent with the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.

Underwood’s skills on the field were undeniable. His arm strength is perhaps his most impressive asset, allowing him to make deep throws and hit tight windows with pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, his mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a dual-threat quarterback capable of executing a wide range of offensive schemes. Throughout his recruitment, Underwood had the luxury of choosing from a host of top-tier programs, each promising a platform to showcase his skills and ultimately reach the NFL.

For a time, LSU seemed like the perfect fit for Underwood. The Tigers had a reputation for developing quarterbacks and had proven their ability to win at the highest levels of college football. With a storied history of success in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a coaching staff led by Brian Kelly, LSU appeared to offer the ideal environment for Underwood to develop and compete for championships. Underwood publicly committed to LSU, signaling the Tigers’ success in securing one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation.

However, despite the allure of LSU, the recruiting process did not end there. Throughout the following months, Underwood kept his options open, continuing to evaluate other schools and their respective football programs. This decision to stay open-minded would eventually lead to his shift in commitment to Michigan, one of the premier football programs in the Big Ten and a team with a rich tradition of success.

Reasons for Switching to Michigan

When Underwood sat down to explain his decision to decommit from LSU and switch to Michigan, it became clear that several key factors played into his choice. While LSU remained a strong contender for his services, Underwood found that Michigan offered a unique combination of opportunities that better aligned with his long-term goals. Below, we delve into the primary reasons behind his decision to make the switch.

1. The Michigan Coaching Staff and Their Vision for His Development

One of the most influential factors in Underwood’s decision to move to Michigan was the connection he developed with the Wolverines’ coaching staff. Underwood spoke highly of the relationship he built with Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh, and offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore. Harbaugh, known for his success in the NFL and at Michigan, has long been regarded as one of the top quarterback developers in the country. His extensive experience working with high-level quarterbacks, such as Andrew Luck during his time at Stanford, and his success in the NFL only enhanced his reputation as someone capable of guiding Underwood’s development.

Underwood mentioned that Harbaugh’s vision for his growth as a quarterback and his emphasis on developing a pro-style offense resonated deeply with him. The opportunity to play in a system that mirrors what he could expect at the professional level was a major factor in his decision. While LSU’s offensive system is undoubtedly effective, Underwood felt that Michigan’s approach would provide him with a unique opportunity to develop his skills further, particularly when it came to preparing for the NFL.

In addition to Harbaugh, Underwood expressed his appreciation for Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s offensive coordinator. Moore, who had been instrumental in Michigan’s offensive success in recent years, played a key role in crafting an offense that utilized quarterbacks’ talents in a way that Underwood found appealing. Underwood’s confidence in Moore’s ability to guide him to the next level was another factor that swayed his commitment.

2. The Offensive System at Michigan

Another major draw for Underwood was Michigan’s offensive system itself. While LSU is known for its explosive, fast-paced offense, Michigan’s system focuses more on a balanced attack with an emphasis on strong quarterback play and a commitment to the running game. Underwood felt that Michigan’s system would allow him to showcase all of his skills, both as a passer and as a player capable of making plays outside the pocket.

Michigan’s emphasis on physical, up-tempo football appealed to Underwood, as he wanted to be part of a program that could be competitive on a national scale while also allowing him to play within a system that he felt would maximize his potential. In particular, the Wolverines’ ability to blend the traditional pro-style approach with elements of modern college football offered Underwood the flexibility he was looking for as a quarterback.

3. The Chance to Compete in the Big Ten

Competing in the Big Ten was another factor that contributed to Underwood’s decision. The Big Ten Conference, while often overshadowed by the powerhouses of the SEC, has a proud history of college football excellence. Schools like Ohio State, Michigan State, and Penn State regularly compete for national titles, and Underwood saw an opportunity to challenge himself in one of the most competitive conferences in the country.

Underwood understood that playing in the Big Ten would offer its own set of challenges, but it was also a conference that would provide him with the chance to make a name for himself on a national stage. The competition and the high-profile matchups that come with playing in the Big Ten were appealing to him as he looked ahead to the next phase of his football career.

4. Michigan’s Track Record of Success and Player Development

While LSU’s football program is undoubtedly one of the best in the country, Michigan’s rich history of success and player development was an important consideration for Underwood. Michigan has consistently been a contender in the Big Ten and a frequent participant in major bowl games, and the chance to contribute to that tradition of excellence was a major draw.

Underwood was particularly impressed with Michigan’s ability to develop its quarterbacks into NFL prospects. Recent quarterbacks like Shea Patterson and J.J. McCarthy, both of whom had notable careers with the Wolverines, further emphasized the potential for success that Michigan offered. Underwood felt that, under the guidance of Harbaugh and Moore, he could follow in their footsteps and develop into an NFL-caliber quarterback.

5. Personal Fit and Comfort

Finally, the personal connection to the program played a significant role in Underwood’s decision to make the switch to Michigan. He mentioned that he felt a strong personal connection to the coaching staff, the players, and the overall culture at Michigan. The family-like atmosphere and the support system within the Michigan football program made him feel comfortable and confident that he was making the right decision.

The Future of Bryce Underwood at Michigan

With Underwood’s commitment to Michigan, the Wolverines have secured one of the most talented quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class. His decision to enroll in Ann Arbor marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football career, one that will be closely followed by fans, analysts, and scouts alike. While Underwood is still in the early stages of his college journey, the excitement surrounding his potential is palpable.

For Michigan, landing a quarterback of Underwood’s caliber is a game-changing development. His talent, leadership, and ability to make plays in any situation will undoubtedly elevate the Wolverines’ offense and give them a quarterback capable of competing for championships. As Michigan looks to contend with perennial powerhouses like Ohio State and Penn State, Underwood will be a central figure in the team’s future success.

As for Underwood, his decision to switch from LSU to Michigan reflects a careful and deliberate thought process, one rooted in his desire to develop as a quarterback and make an impact at the highest levels of college football. His commitment to Michigan is the start of what promises to be an exciting and transformative journey, both for him and for the Wolverines’ football program.