Near the end of last season, the biggest story in college football was star high school quarterback Bryce Underwood’s NIL-influenced commitment. The Michigan Wolverines offered a deal that the prospect couldn’t refuse—an alleged four-year deal worth $10 million.
Bryce Underwood’s Record-Breaking NIL Deal: How Michigan Outbid the Competition
In the developing landscape of college sports, NIL deals have become key in recruiting the best athletes. Michigan’s recent signing of five-star QB Bryce Underwood reflects this trend.
Underwood, the country’s best QB prospect in the 2025 class, reportedly committed to LSU. In an unexpected turn of events, though, he switched his decision to Michigan, influenced by a reported NIL deal for around $10 million over four years.
The offer highlights the NIL market’s remarkable growth, as Underwood ranked No. 14 in On3’s NIL Valuations.
Analysis of Michigan’s Quarterback NIL Deals
Underwood’s deal represents an enormous rise in NIL valuations for Michigan QBs. For reference, former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a net worth of $1.4 million during his time in Ann Arbor.
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in 2025
Prominent donors greatly impacted the negotiation of Underwood’s major NIL agreement. Larry Ellison, an influential figure with Oracle, allegedly played an important role in securing the funds for Michigan’s NIL collective, Champions Circle.
Signing Underwood is a tactical move for Michigan, especially after an awful championship-defending 2024 season. Michigan will kick off the “Underwood Era” on Aug. 30 with a home opener against the New Mexico Lobos.
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