"This kid was leading the charge": ESPN analyst Ryan Clark explains how "huge" the loss of Bryce Underwood is for LSU

Michigan's acquisition of Bryce Underwood sent shockwaves through the college football world. The class of 2025 No. 1 prospect flipped his commitment from LSU to play college football in Ann Arbor, marking a transformative moment for the Wolverines' roster.

LSU alum and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark described how huge the loss of Ryan Clark is in his appearance on Thursday’s edition of “First Take.” The quarterback was the central figure in the program’s recruitment efforts for the cycle.

“He’s also been committed to LSU since he was a [junior],” Clark said. “The entire team he put together this summer was put together around him with LSU commits and other LSU recruits. This kid was leading the charge for the 2025 committed [players]… so this is huge.”

Underwood is an exceptional talent who has positioned himself as a player capable of redefining the elite standard. This makes his commitment decision a pivotal event in the evolution of the Wolverines and a huge loss for the Tigers.

Clark sees the quarterback as a once-in-a-generation talent whose potential transcends that of the marquee names who have dominated the college football stage over the past decade.

"What's crazy is I came out of 7-on-7 retirement for Bryce Underwood," Clark said. "I coached the team this summer because he was going to be the quarterback.”

“I've seen Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young -- you name it -- Jayden Daniels. At his age, he's better than every single one of them. The way he throws the football, the way he moves, the way he leads, the sort of kid he is.”

Ryan Clark had a lot of anticipation for Bryce Underwood at LSU

With his talent level as a quarterback, Bryce Underwood was anticipated to be a menace in Brian Kelly’s offense. His combination of a cannon arm, size and athleticism made him an exciting prospect. Ryan Clark had anticipated seeing him take the Tigers to a new level.

"I was excited about what LSU could be in the future because of him,” Clark said. “Partly, this is on Brian Kelly and what's happened with LSU throughout this season.

"And I also think another big piece of it is, if you're Michigan and you don't have a quarterback, and that offense looking the way that it is, you can't him let out of that state.”

Baton Rouge fans have been anticipating seeing him succeed Garrett Nussmeier since he committed to the program in January. The flip comes as a further heartbreak for the fans who have witnessed the team’s underwhelming performance this season.