Michigan QB Bryce Underwood's NIL Deal Is More Money Than Some NFL Quarterbacks

The Business of Big-Time Quarterbacks

Underwood’s deal puts him ahead of multiple NFL quarterbacks in guaranteed annual money, even before factoring in bonuses or endorsements. Using salary data from Spotrac, his $3 million valuation tops names like Carson Wentz with Minnesota ($1.42 million), Malik Willis with the Titans ($1.29 million) and even Mitchell Trubisky with Buffalo ($2.6 million). In some cases, his NIL value is even close to rookie-scale contracts for players drafted in the later rounds. Cleveland Browns starter Dillon Gabriel is making $1.5 million this season.

That shows just how much college football’s landscape has changed. A five-star high school player now has the chance to earn life-changing money without waiting for a draft or a pro contract. The days of a college star needing the NFL to make a fortune are gone, at least for players like Underwood.

For Michigan, the deal shows a clear shift in recruiting philosophy. The Wolverines have long built their program on tradition and player development, but now, they’re proving they can compete in the NIL market just like the sport’s biggest spenders. After back-to-back Big Ten titles and a national championship run, Michigan has turned its brand power into real financial pull. The Wolverines’ willingness to match NIL powerhouses like Ohio State and Georgia shows just how aggressive they’ve become in this new era of recruiting.

The Wolverines’ boosters and NIL collectives clearly view Underwood as the next franchise-level quarterback, and they’re willing to pay to make sure he stays home. The quarterback has completed 59.7% of his passes along with three touchdowns, while rushing for three more so far in 2025.

The Underwood deal is more than just a headline. It reflects what college football has become. Top programs are spending like NFL front offices, and the Wolverines have made their biggest bet yet on a teenager who represents both the future of the program and the new economy of college football.

Michigan, led by Underwood, will face a tough test Saturday night, as they are on the road at the USC Trojans in a battle of teams with a 4-1 record.