Add another win to Tom Brady’s ledger.
The legendary former NFL quarterback played an important role in helping his alma mater Michigan land Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025.
Brady FaceTimed Underwood during the final stages of Michigan’s recruitment and subsequently struck up a relationship with the heralded quarterback prospect, according to CBS Sports. The current Fox Sports analyst told Underwood he would be a resource to him.
Underwood had been committed to LSU since January, but Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore made a late, successful push to flip him to the Wolverines.
Brady spent two years as a backup at Michigan before earning the starting role in 1998 and 1999.
The Patriots famously drafted Brady in the sixth round en route to his iconic NFL career.
Beyond Brady’s influence, an eye-popping NIL offer helped sway Underwood from what appeared to be an ironclad commitment to LSU.
Champions Circle, Michigan’s officially endorsed NIL collective, offered Underwood $12 million across four years, according to ESPN Baton Rouge.
LSU had offered Underwood $1.5 million per year, which would total just $6 million across four years.
A Belleville, Michigan native, Underwood announced his decision on social media on Thursday, writing “Hometown. Hero” as the caption.
“Those Who Stay (Home)… Welcome Bryce Underwood, the #1 Recruit in the Nation,” Champions Circle said in a statement. “We want to thank our Founding Members and others associated with Champions Circle who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible to continue our work building championship teams at Michigan.”
Underwood had a pivotal family discussion last week, per CBS Sports, in which he reevaluated his commitment and weighed the pros and cons of each program.
He visited Michigan from Monday to Wednesday, the report added, for an up-close look at the Wolverines.
Just one day later, he made his stunning decision official.
