Five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood came to Ann Arbor with such high hopes. The No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class was viewed as the cornerstone of a potential championship push for Michigan this season.
However, Michigan missed the playoff after finishing 9-3 and being ranked No. 19 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter. Meanwhile, the Wolverines’ sudden coaching change after Sherrone Moore’s firing has placed Underwood at the center of one of college football’s most unexpected retention battles.
Analyst Identifies Potential Bryce Underwood Transfer Destination After Michigan’s Coaching Carousel
Underwood arrived at Michigan on a roughly $10-12 million deal, but the agreement reportedly lacks a buyout provision, meaning he could enter the transfer portal without any financial consequences. He would be eligible to do so when the portal opens on Jan. 2.
According to On3/Rivals, Underwood’s representatives at Equity Sports are closely monitoring Michigan’s next head coaching hire. Interest from multiple programs is expected, and ESPN Baton Rouge’s Matt Moscona highlighted LSU as a particularly interesting landing spot.
“If Bryce Underwood wanted to hit the transfer portal, there’s no more attractive place in college football this year for a quarterback than LSU,” Moscona said. “There’s no incumbent. You have a treasure chest of NIL and brand deal money to spend.
“You have a plethora of athletes around, and you’ll be coached by Lane Kiffin, who has maximized Trinidad Chambliss, turned Jackson Dart into a first-rounder, and made Matt Corral an all-conference caliber quarterback. Like everywhere he goes, quarterbacks produce and offense follows.”
Before heading to Michigan, Underwood initially committed to LSU in January 2024. He later flipped his commitment to the Wolverines in November 2024 and officially signed on Dec. 4, 2024.
While LSU fans still remember losing him the first time, the Tigers could get another opportunity if Underwood returns to Baton Rouge. A coaching change would be part of that transition, as Underwood was initially recruited by Brian Kelly and former offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.
After Kelly’s firing, Underwood could flourish under former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU, especially since the Tigers need a quarterback. Garrett Nussmeier has exhausted his eligibility, and Michael Van Buren has only four career starts, which creates a clear opening that Underwood could fill.
Underwood started every game for Michigan this season, throwing for 2,229 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 323 rushing yards and five scores on 74 carries. Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu has even voiced support for Underwood returning to LSU. For now, the decision remains whether he stays loyal to Michigan or takes a chance with Kiffin’s Tigers.
Michigan is set to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, while LSU will take on Houston in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27.
