Big news is coming out of Michigan, and it’s making waves across college football. The Wolverines have reportedly secured a major commitment from Bryce Underwood, the number one quarterback recruit in the 2025 class. And here’s the kicker: Allegedly, Michigan has offered him a deal worth a staggering $10.5 million over four years. Yes, you read that right—$10.5 million for a high school recruit.

This commitment is a game-changer, both for Michigan and for the broader college football landscape. The deal underscores how much the world of college recruiting has evolved, especially with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, which have drastically altered the way players choose their schools and negotiate their futures.

Bryce Underwood’s signing is a huge step for Michigan. Not only are they landing the top quarterback in the country, but they’re also showing that they’re willing to pay top dollar to secure their future at the most important position on the field. This $10.5 million figure—while unconfirmed in exact detail—has been circulating through various sources and speaks volumes about the new reality in college football.

But this isn’t just about the money. For a player like Underwood, who has been the talk of recruiting circles for years, the decision to commit to Michigan is also about where he can best develop his skills and compete at the highest level. With Michigan coming off a strong season, they offer a platform for Underwood to showcase his talents and develop into an NFL prospect. The Wolverines have a history of producing top-tier quarterbacks, and Underwood will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of past legends while also making his own mark.

What’s even more intriguing is the timing of this move. Underwood’s decision to commit comes just as the college football landscape is shifting. With players now able to profit from their NIL rights, high school recruits like Underwood are no longer just looking for the best football program—they’re also considering which programs will provide the best financial opportunities. And Michigan, by all accounts, is delivering on that front.

The NIL market has created a whole new dynamic in college football recruiting. Players like Underwood are now able to negotiate huge deals that include not only the chance to play at elite programs but also the opportunity to build their personal brands. Underwood, in particular, has the chance to make a significant amount of money both during his college career and after, as his name recognition grows.

However, it’s not just Michigan making moves in the recruiting world. Other top programs are also diving deep into the NIL game. Colorado, for example, made headlines when they secured Julian Lewis, the number two quarterback recruit in the 2025 class, who also reportedly has a massive NIL deal in place. These deals are fundamentally changing how recruiting works, with players now able to make decisions based not only on football and academics but also on financial incentives.

But this shift also raises some important questions. While it’s great that players can now benefit financially, there’s a concern that the pressure to perform at such a high level could impact their development. Many of these recruits are expected to deliver immediately, and that kind of pressure can be overwhelming for young players. Additionally, with the possibility of further changes to NIL regulations, it’s unclear how long this level of financial commitment will be sustainable or how it will be regulated in the future.

Despite these uncertainties, one thing is clear: Michigan’s commitment to securing the best talent—and paying top dollar for it—is a sign of the times. The Wolverines are betting on Bryce Underwood not just as a player, but as the future face of their program. And with the huge financial backing reportedly behind him, Michigan is setting the stage for a new era in college football recruiting.

Whether this trend will continue across the sport or whether NIL deals will eventually be restructured remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: The game has changed, and Michigan is leading the charge.