Add another win to Tom Brady's ledger.
The legendary former NFL quarterback played a key role in helping his alma mater, the University of Michigan, acquire Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2025.
Brady FaceTimed Underwood during the final stages of Michigan's recruiting process and later developed a relationship with the hot quarterback prospect. According to CBS Sports. The current FOX Sports analyst told Underwood he would be a resource.
Underwood had been committed to LSU since January, but Michigan head coach Sherone Moore was able to convert him to the Wolverines late.
Brady was a backup for two years at Michigan and earned a starting role in 1998 and 1999.
The Patriots famously drafted Brady in the sixth round and he went on to have an iconic NFL career.
Beyond Brady's influence, the eye-popping NIL offer helped sway Underwood from what seemed like an ironclad commitment to LSU.
Champions Circle, Michigan's officially endorsed NIL collective, offered Underwood $12 million over four years. According to ESPN Baton Rouge.
LSU offered Underwood $1.5 million annually, a total of just $6 million over four years.
Underwood, a native of Belleville, Michigan, posted a post on social media Thursday with the caption, “Hometown. Hero.”
“For those who stay (at home)…we welcome Bryce Underwood, the nation's No. 1 recruit,” the Champions Circle said in a statement. “I would like to thank our founding members and those involved in Champions Circle for their tireless work behind the scenes to ensure we can continue building a champion team in Michigan.”
According to CBS Sports, Underwood had a pivotal family discussion last week in which he reevaluated his commitment and weighed the pros and cons of each program.
He traveled to Michigan from Monday through Wednesday to get an up-close look at the Wolverines, the article added.
Just one day later, he officially announced his surprising decision.
