Analyst says Big Ten powerhouse, SEC heavyweight have inside track for 2025's top recruit

Bryce Underwood is an elite 2025 quarterback recruit, so it makes sense that he's eyeing two elite college football programs at the top of his interest list.

At nearly 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Underwood is every bit of a game-changer as a recruit. He's ranked as the consensus No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class. As such, he has multiple options as to where he could play college football, including offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas, among others.

With that said, it's Michigan and LSU that stand out right now for the five-star signal-caller from Belleville, Michigan.

This is according to a recruiting insider, EJ Holland, who was a guest on the On3's "Inside Scoop" show. Said Holland:

“I think [Michigan is] top two right now with LSU. That was one of the biggest storylines coming out of July just a couple of weeks ago. Or about a month ago now. He made two unofficial visits — one to LSU and one to Michigan. He had a multi-day visit to LSU, spent some time in Baton Rouge around Brian Kelly and that staff. And then immediately came back home and made an unofficial visit for the last day of the BBQ at the Big House, which is Michigan’s annual big recruiting event at the end of July.”

Michigan makes sense. Jim Harbaugh has built the Wolverines back into a national contender and Belleville is only a half hour away from Ann Arbor. Underwood could stay close to home and potentially win a national championship.

With that said Underwood reportedly has a strong desire to play SEC football.

“He loves what LSU has done recently, and they have a lot to pitch as well with the new staff," Holland explained. "And playing in the SEC is obviously something that is appealing to him. I think it’s a heated battle right now.”

Underwood threw for 2,762 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2022 while rushing for 632 yards and eight touchdowns. He led his high school to its first-ever unbeaten season and second-straight state title.

Whether it's LSU, Michigan or someone else, the program that ends up with him will undoubtedly be better for it.