The Louisiana State University (LSU) football program is reeling after losing the Brian Kelly of the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, quarterback Bryce Underwood, to the Michigan Wolverines. Underwood, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound phenom out of Belleville, Michigan, had been committed to LSU for nearly a year, but in a stunning turn of events, the five-star signal-caller announced over the weekend that he would be flipping his commitment to the University of Michigan, his home-state school. The decision has sent shockwaves throughout the recruiting world, and LSU is now working overtime to secure the rest of its highly anticipated 2025 class.
Underwood’s Commitment to Michigan: A Major Blow to LSU
For LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his staff, Underwood’s flip is a crushing blow. The Tigers had been building their recruiting class around Underwood, the highest-ranked quarterback prospect in the nation, for months. His skillset—an elite combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ—was seen as a perfect fit for LSU’s pro-style offense. With Underwood, LSU had the centerpiece around which the team hoped to build future championship-level rosters.
However, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has long been in pursuit of the top-ranked recruit, managed to convince Underwood to stay home and join a program that has steadily built momentum under his leadership. Michigan has long been one of the most successful programs in college football history, and with Underwood, Harbaugh will be looking to take the Wolverines to the next level.
In a heartfelt statement announcing his decision, Underwood explained that his flip to Michigan was about more than just football. “This is my home. This is where I want to play and represent the state of Michigan,” Underwood said. “The relationship I’ve built with Coach Harbaugh and the staff has been incredible, and I truly believe they are the best program for my development. I have nothing but respect for Coach Kelly and LSU, but this decision is what feels right for me.”
The Immediate Impact on LSU’s Recruiting Class
Underwood’s flip has left LSU scrambling to adjust its recruiting strategy in the closing stages of the 2025 cycle. Despite the loss of its top recruit, LSU still boasts a top-tier class, but the absence of a five-star quarterback now looms large.
Currently, LSU ranks among the top 5 recruiting classes nationally for 2025, with key commitments from blue-chip players on both sides of the ball. But with Underwood now off the board, Brian Kelly and his staff are prioritizing other quarterback prospects to potentially fill the void. The Tigers are reportedly in communication with several highly-rated quarterbacks, including elite prospects from the Southeast and beyond, but with less than a month before National Signing Day, time is of the essence.
One potential option for LSU could be four-star quarterback Tyner James, a dual-threat quarterback from Texas who has been rising on recruiting boards this fall. James, who had previously been leaning toward an SEC program, is now reportedly taking a closer look at LSU as a result of Underwood’s flip. Another potential target is three-star prospect Ethan Marks, a pro-style quarterback out of Alabama who has caught the eye of several major programs, including LSU.
Despite the setbacks, the LSU coaching staff remains confident in their ability to land a capable signal-caller for the future. “We are not deterred by this loss,” said LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. “Bryce Underwood is a special talent, and we wish him the best, but we have a number of quarterbacks who can help lead this program moving forward. Our recruiting team is working tirelessly to ensure we bring in a quarterback who will fit our system and help us continue to compete at the highest level.”
LSU’s 2025 Recruiting Class Still Full of Talent
Even without Underwood, LSU’s 2025 class remains loaded with talent. The Tigers have already secured commitments from a number of elite prospects, including wide receiver Kylan Johnson, defensive end Xavier Freeman, and cornerback De’Andre Greene. The class features a mix of high-profile in-state players, such as Louisiana natives Deionte Thompson (wide receiver) and Micah Brown (safety), as well as several out-of-state recruits with championship pedigree.
Perhaps the most notable commit remaining for LSU is offensive tackle Damon Ward, a 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman from Georgia who is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation. Ward, a road-grading blocker with a mean streak, could be a cornerstone of LSU’s offensive line for years to come. The Tigers have also secured several other key offensive and defensive linemen, positioning them to remain one of the nation’s most physically dominant teams.
LSU’s recruiting efforts are not limited to the high school ranks. The program has also been active in the transfer portal, where it has secured commitments from a number of impact players who could help fill immediate needs. The most notable addition to LSU’s roster from the portal is wide receiver Zachary Thomas, a former five-star recruit who played two seasons at Florida State before entering the portal this offseason.
Despite the loss of Underwood, LSU remains a national powerhouse with the resources, facilities, and coaching staff to continue recruiting at a high level. However, it’s clear that the program will need to adjust its recruiting strategies in the coming weeks to ensure that they continue to stay competitive with other programs across the country.
Michigan’s Big Win: Harbaugh Rebuilds with Bryce Underwood
For Michigan, securing the commitment of Bryce Underwood represents a major victory for Jim Harbaugh and his staff. After a period of criticism in the mid-2020s for falling short in major bowl games, Michigan has slowly but surely rebuilt its recruiting momentum. The addition of Underwood could be the final piece of the puzzle, providing Harbaugh with the type of elite quarterback he has long lacked.
Underwood’s commitment also has the potential to elevate Michigan’s recruiting efforts in the coming years. As the top quarterback prospect in the nation, Underwood will undoubtedly draw the attention of other blue-chip recruits, especially those at the skill positions who may want to play alongside a generational talent at quarterback. Michigan has already secured several key commitments for 2025, and Underwood’s pledge could lead to a domino effect that pushes Michigan even higher in the recruiting rankings.
“This is a huge moment for us,” Harbaugh said in a statement following Underwood’s commitment. “Bryce is not just a phenomenal football player, but a leader who will inspire the entire team. He represents the future of Michigan football, and we’re thrilled to have him join our family.”
The Rest of the Recruiting Cycle: What’s Next for LSU?
As the 2025 recruiting cycle heads into its final weeks, LSU faces a critical period of retooling and rethinking its strategy. The flip of Underwood was a setback, but it is not the end of the road. Coach Kelly and his staff are fully aware of the stakes and will likely intensify their efforts to secure another quarterback, as well as bolster other key positions on both sides of the ball.
For now, LSU fans are holding their breath, hoping that the Tigers can rebound from this surprising development and keep their championship aspirations intact. With Brian Kelly at the helm, LSU’s future remains bright, and despite the setback, the Tigers are positioned to continue building a powerhouse program for years to come.
Conclusion
The news of Bryce Underwood’s flip to Michigan has set the stage for a dramatic final stretch of the 2025 recruiting cycle. For LSU, the loss of Underwood is a tough blow, but the program remains highly competitive on the recruiting trail. As they work overtime to secure the rest of their class, LSU will be focused on finding the next quarterback to lead their offense, while also continuing to strengthen the other positions that will help maintain their place among the elite in college football. For Michigan, landing Underwood is a defining moment that could have a lasting impact on the program’s future success.
As National Signing Day draws near, the recruiting race is far from over, and the next few weeks will be critical for both LSU and Michigan as they look to finalize their classes and build for the future.
