Recruiting analyst provides major update on LSU QB commit Bryce Underwood amid Michigan flip rumors

Five-star QB Bryce Underwood has been committed to LSU since January, but there has been a recruiting tug-of-war between the Tigers and Michigan. Amid his potential flip rumor to the Wolverines, Underwood visited the Tigers over the weekend to take in their 42-13 loss to Alabama.

Rivals analyst Sam Spiegelman reported that after returning from Baton Rouge, Underwood's recruitment momentum is in the Brian Kelly-coached program's favor.

"There is a strong sense that Bryce Underwood will sign with LSU in a few weeks," Spiegelman said. "After returning to Baton Rouge this weekend, the expectation is that Underwood will be a Tiger."

However, the Wolverines aren’t backing down easily. 247Sports analyst Tom Loy advised last week that Michigan fans shouldn’t entirely count out a last-minute flip, potentially as late as Signing Day on Dec. 4.

Michigan is reportedly willing to offer Underwood an NIL package valued at nearly $10 million. The Wolverines fans also showed their enthusiasm by turning out in numbers to watch Underwood lead his Belleville High School team to victory over Saline, 42-7, a week ago.

Meanwhile, former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions joined Underwood's school’s coaching staff this week. Stalions, who left Michigan amid a sign-stealing scandal in 2023, had previously worked with the Wolverines for three seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh.

Although Stalions resigned from his role, his presence at Belleville High has fueled speculation about Michigan's recruiting tactics. Still, his move appears to be a coincidence and may not impact Underwood’s decision.

Analyst labels Bryce Underwood's potential flip an 'era-defining move' for Michigan

CBS Sports’ Richard Johnson opened up about how Jim Harbaugh's sudden exit on Jan. 24, just days after the national championship game, left the Wolverines scrambling. Even the school was struggling as J.J. McCarthy left for the NFL and top quarterbacks in the transfer portal had already committed to new schools.

There was optimism surrounding returning quarterback Alex Orji, but he couldn't secure the starting quarterback role decisively. Bryce Underwood was seen as a potential solution, per Johnson.

"Now Michigan looks to the offseason to re-tool and get back to being one of the Big Ten's elite teams," Johnson said. "Flipping No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood from LSU would be an era-defining move.”

However, Underwood appears to be a hard commit to LSU, and Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore has little hope here. Michigan's recruiting troubles don't stop at quarterback, as the Wolverines are also facing the possibility of losing out on wide receiver target Derek Meadows, who could potentially flip from LSU as well if Underwood were to change his commitment.