Tuesday, July 28, 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

Every Major College Jersey Patch Deal So Far

A comprehensive list of all jersey patch partnerships announced so far.

NFL’s Next Commissioner: 11 Possible Roger Goodell Successors

NFL owners eventually will need a successor to Roger Goodell, just not yet.
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti walks next to the court before the first round American Conference Tournament game between Memphis and Tulane in Birmingham, Ala, on March 11, 2026.

American Conference Continues to Explore Private Capital Deals

Deals that would sell ownership stakes in the conference are “not realistic.”
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates after he runs for a touchdown during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Ohio State Signs $17 Million Jersey Patch Deal With Chase

All 36 OSU sports teams will wear Chase jersey patches.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/28/26 – 76ers’ Huge TV Boost, UNC GM Investigation, Stanford’s Unionization Process

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi

UNC Puts Football GM Michael Lombardi on ‘Administrative Leave’

The beleaguered football program led by Bill Belichick faces yet another controversy.
July 25, 2026

Michigan AD Warde Manuel to Get $7M Buyout

Manuel will step down at the end of 2026.
Sep 13, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman Fisher Anderson (center) blocks against Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Kwan Williams (right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium.
July 27, 2026

Stanford Football Players Launch Effort to Unionize

The football players’ CFBPA “fraternity chapter” could eventually be a union.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses the launch of Champions Fund and how he navigated the business world after football
Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Xavier Edmonds (24) dunks the ball during the second half against Duke Blue Devils forward Maliq Brown (6) during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
July 24, 2026

TCU AD Mike Buddie: Coaches, ADs Should Have a Salary Cap

Salaries for the highest-paid coaches exceed $13 million.
Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) shoots the ball Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Siena Saints at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
July 24, 2026

Duke–Michigan Amazon Showcase Canceled Over TV Rights Dispute

The Big Ten had disputed that the ACC possessed the game’s rights.
July 23, 2026

Trump-Backed College Sports Bill Faces Hurdles As Deadline Nears

If it doesn’t pass the Senate by August, it could be dead.
Josh Pate
July 21, 2026

Josh Pate on Trump Interview Fallout: ‘It’s the President Asking’

Pate knew his interview with the president would be polarizing.