Bryce Underwood Rumors Stir College Football Drama Amid Michigan’s NCAA Turmoil
In the world of college football, few rivalries burn hotter than Ohio State vs. Michigan. Now, this rivalry may have sparked the latest wave of speculation threatening Michigan’s top recruit, Bryce Underwood. With the Wolverines already dealing with NCAA scrutiny, including a sign-stealing investigation and coach Sherrone Moore’s suspension, rumors have emerged suggesting Underwood could be considering a return to LSU.
These whispers come despite Underwood having completed spring practices at Michigan. The speculation points to issues with Michigan’s ability to fulfill its NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal, reportedly worth $12 million, which lured Underwood away from LSU. Some fans claimed the quarterback was exploring other options due to financial concerns.
But Michigan Sports Talk quickly traced the origin of the rumor to rival Ohio State fans. Their theory? That Michigan’s collective had failed Underwood, prompting him to reconsider his commitment. Underwood himself took to social media to mock the gossip, tweeting, “lol, yall say anything on social media,” effectively shutting the rumor down.
Michigan pulled out all the stops to recruit the top prospect of the 2025 class. Not only was Connor Stalions—linked to the sign-stealing controversy—involved in nudging Underwood to Ann Arbor, but the school’s Champions Collective also allegedly offered a seven-figure salary. While this move raised eyebrows, insiders argue that Underwood’s deal is structured for long-term commitment and performance, not just a flashy signing bonus.
Despite the investment, Michigan’s NIL collective still ranks outside the top 10 in terms of overall funding among college programs. This has drawn criticism from commentators like David Cone, who questioned the school’s priorities given the massive outlay for a single player.
Meanwhile, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy—an outspoken Michigan alum—shared some behind-the-scenes details. Though he’s often credited with flipping Underwood from LSU, Portnoy said the real heavy-lifter was tech billionaire Larry Ellison. According to Portnoy, Ellison and his wife Jolin Zhu (a Michigan alum) played a major role in finalizing the deal. Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and one of the richest men in the world, reportedly joined a recruitment call with Michigan, Underwood, and his family.
While some view Michigan’s $12 million commitment as an act of desperation to stay competitive, others see it as a bold, calculated move to land a generational talent. Regardless, Underwood remains firm in his stance—he’s committed to Michigan and not going anywhere.
With the Wolverines battling controversies and rivals fueling the rumor mill, only time will tell whether this massive gamble pays off on the field. But one thing’s for sure: Bryce Underwood isn’t backing down.