... ...
Thursday, September 17, 2026

Michigan Flips No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood With Reported Eight-Figure NIL Deal

The Belleville, Mich., recruit became the second five-star quarterback to flip his commitment this week.

Detroit Free Press

Bryce Underwood became the second five-star quarterback to flip his commitment this week, spurning LSU for his hometown Michigan Wolverines on Thursday. 

Before Underwood officially flipped, reports were swirling Michigan was preparing a massive offer. On3 reported last week that Michigan offered Underwood $10.5 million over four years, while ESPN Louisiana radio host Matt Moscona said Thursday the figure reached $12 million

Underwood is the No. 1 recruit in the nation for the 2025 class, according to ESPN’s rankings. He hails from Belleville, Mich., just a half hour’s drive from the Wolverines’ campus in Ann Arbor. Coincidentally, former Wolverines staffer Connor Stalions is an assistant coach at Belleville High School. Stalions infamously was at the center of Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal during its 2023 national championship season. 

Regardless, it appears the figure was several multiples of LSU’s offer. The Tigers offered Underwood around $1.5 million per year, according to numerous reports. Had Underwood stuck with his commitment, he would have been LSU’s highest-paid player, according to The Advocate. 

Underwood’s flip came a day after Julian Lewis, who is right behind Underwood in ESPN’s rankings, committed to Colorado days after backing off his pledge to USC. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hawkeye and Oregon fans gather for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff Nov. 8, 2025 in front of the Old Capitol Building on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City, Iowa.

College Football’s London Debut Brings Big Opportunity for Fox

Kansas and Arizona State are facing off at Wembley Stadium.
Landry Kiffin/Fifth Year

Lane Kiffin’s Daughter Seizes CFB Spotlight With Clothing Venture

“Having a family involved in college sports helps from a marketing perspective.”
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rushes the ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Week 1 Ratings Fall 13% Despite New Broadcast Schedule

The league saw a surprisingly sharp drop in viewership.

Florida Senators Oppose College Sports Bill Due to Miami, FSU Ambitions

The Protect College Sports Act is moving through the Senate.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/17/26 – CFB Ratings Surge, Joe Buck’s $108M Deal, Knicks Ticket Shock

0:00

Featured Today

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are foregoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
Sam Leavitt LSU

Sam Leavitt’s Injury Tag Sparks Skepticism Ahead of LSU–Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin has previously faced criticism for his handling of injury reports.
Jay Williams Asset Class Front Office Sports
Exclusive
September 16, 2026

Jay Williams: ‘We All Participated’ in Cash Payments Before NIL

Williams said the payments came in “duffel bags” during the playful exchange.
Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive coach Steve Belichick during the first quarter against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
September 17, 2026

Steve Belichick Resigns As North Carolina Closes Investigation

Steve Belichick has been on medical leave since August.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to throw over Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Payton Pierce (26) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
September 16, 2026

CFB Viewership Off to Hot Start After Texas–Ohio State Thriller

ABC averaged nearly 14 million viewers Saturday night.
September 15, 2026

Senators Stage Effort to Pass the Protect College Sports Act

An opposition coalition has formed to block the bill.
Nov 28, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning warms up before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
September 15, 2026

Arch Manning Apologizes to Holly Rowe for Joking About AI Video

Rowe says that she accepted Manning’s apology.
Sep 12, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to an intercept by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
September 15, 2026

Oxford Bulking Up Police Presence for Lane Kiffin’s Return

Ole Miss coach Pete Golding asked fans to be rowdy but respectful.