In a significant development for Michigan football’s 2025 recruiting class, the Wolverines have secured commitments from two top-tier five-star recruits: quarterback Bryce Underwood and defensive lineman Nathaniel Marshall.
Bryce Underwood, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback from Belleville, Michigan, is the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300 rankings. Initially committed to LSU, Underwood flipped his commitment to Michigan in November 2024, citing a desire to stay close to home and contribute to his home state’s program. His decision was influenced by Michigan’s competitive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package, reflecting the program’s evolving approach to player compensation. ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/42531006/bryce-underwood-no-1-recruit-2025-flips-michigan-lsu?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Underwood’s commitment is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the highest-rated offensive commit in Michigan’s history and the first No. 1 recruit to join the Wolverines since defensive tackle Rashan Gary in 2016. His addition brings critical stability to the quarterback position, especially following the departure of national title-winning quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2024. ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/42531006/bryce-underwood-no-1-recruit-2025-flips-michigan-lsu?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In December 2024, Michigan further bolstered its 2025 class by flipping five-star defensive lineman Nathaniel Marshall from Auburn just before early National Signing Day. Marshall, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound recruit from Oak Park, Illinois, had initially committed to Michigan before switching to Auburn in August. Ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the 2025 class and the No. 26 overall recruit by Rivals, Marshall’s recommitment adds significant strength to Michigan’s defensive lineup. ([sbnation.com](https://www.sbnation.com/2024/12/4/24313114/college-football-early-national-signing-day-michigan-flips-five-star-nathaniel-marshall-from-auburn?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
These high-profile commitments underscore Michigan’s renewed emphasis on securing top talent and adapting to the evolving landscape of college football recruiting. The program’s proactive approach to NIL deals, supported by influential donors like Oracle founder Larry Ellison, has been instrumental in attracting elite recruits. Ellison played a significant role in facilitating a $10 million NIL deal for Underwood, highlighting the increasing involvement of wealthy individuals in college athletics. ([marketwatch.com](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/billionaire-larry-ellison-helped-give-a-high-school-student-10-million-to-play-football-for-michigan-and-gave-us-a-glimpse-behind-the-nil-curtain-6bf5d87f?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
With these strategic moves, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class has risen to No. 14 in ESPN’s team rankings, positioning the Wolverines for a competitive future. The addition of Underwood and Marshall not only enhances the team’s talent pool but also signals Michigan’s commitment to remaining a formidable force in college football.
– [maizenbrew.com](https://www.maizenbrew.com/michigan-football-recruiting/2024/11/26/24305365/michigan-football-recruiting-bryce-underwood-nil-sherrone-moore-larry-ellison-2025-class?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2024/11/22/sports/dave-portnoy-gloats-after-michigan-flips-bryce-underwood-away-from-lsu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [marketwatch.com](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/billionaire-larry-ellison-helped-give-a-high-school-student-10-million-to-play-football-for-michigan-and-gave-us-a-glimpse-behind-the-nil-curtain-6bf5d87f?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
