The college football world was rocked by huge recruiting news earlier this week when it was announced that Bryce Underwood, one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits, had flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan.

If Underwood does indeed end up at Michigan, it will be a huge coup for the Wolverines and first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, as his team has muddled through a mediocre season in part due to inconsistent quarterback play. It also keeps a local hero at home.

(Related: Top high school recruit Bryce Underwood is returning to Michigan)

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound quarterback played at Belleville High School, about 15 miles east of Ann Arbor. But he told LSU nearly a year ago that he planned to play there.

And even as rumors surfaced that Michigan was pursuing him with renewed purpose, Underwood seemed to remain loyal to LSU. He and his family even wore LSU jewelry earlier this month in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when Alabama defeated the Tigers 42-13.

Still, things have changed in recent weeks, and FOX Sports college football insider Bruce Feldman stopped by the “Big Noon Kickoff” on Saturday to break it all down.

Michigan gets 5-star QB Bryce Underwood, with help from Tom Brady, to turn around LSU’s bet

“(Underwood) had been committed to LSU for almost a year,” Feldman said. “This move sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world.”

Underwood grew up a Michigan fan, but Feldman said former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh “really didn’t pursue him like other schools did.”

So how did Michigan get back into the mix? Feldman outlined two key factors in the show.

First, the head coach made Underwood a priority, and he got help from a key staffer.

“After Harbaugh left for the NFL, (Michigan’s Associate Athletic Director for Football) Sean Magee, who had been in the front office of the Chicago Bears, came back to Michigan,” Feldman said. “He’s working with the GM and has worked very, very hard to build and repair the relationship with Underwood. And he’s made him a priority, just like Sherrone Moore.”

Second, Michigan enlisted the help of a legendary alum, none other than Tom Brady.

“Another big part of this move (from LSU to Michigan) was the many Zoom calls he had with football legend and Michigan alum Tom Brady, who has become a really good resource for Bryce Underwood.” Veldman said.

Feldman said turning Underwood could create recruiting momentum for Michigan, which entered the weekend with a 5-5 record.

“With Underwood in the fold, don’t be surprised if even more blue-chippers head to Ann Arbor and join him with the Wolverines,” Feldman said.

Michigan’s 2025 class is currently ranked No. 9 in the country and No. 3 in the Big Ten, according to the composite score of 247.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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