Money isn't everything: Why Michigan QB Bryce Underwood should listen to Tyrann Mathieu and transfer to LSU

Underwood should do so. A lucrative NIL (name, image and likeness) deal clearly coaxed him into making a potential mistake.

How did Bryce Underwood land at Michigan? 

In September 2024, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a Michigan alum, said he would give the Wolverines up to $3M to land a top QB. That season, Michigan started QBs Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle and Alex Orji, who combined for 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. 

Two months later, Portnoy said Michigan contacted him about an alum named Jolin, the wife of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Per Forbes, the tech mogul is the world's fourth-richest person, with a net worth of $192B. 

Per Fortune's Dave Smith, Portnoy then connected with the couple on a Zoom call. He said both made it clear they would be willing to do whatever it takes to help Michigan win its 11th national championship.

Larry Ellison, Portnoy and former Michigan QB Tom Brady allied to land Underwood. The seven-time Super Bowl champion developed a close bond with the 18-year-old QB to help sway him. Their efforts culminated in Underwood reportedly receiving a $12M NIL deal over four years, which eclipsed LSU's original offer (approximately $1.5M per year).

Why Bryce Underwood should transfer to LSU

Underwood's flip grew his bank account, but it didn't make sense from a football perspective. Michigan doesn't have a strong tradition at QB. Since 2020, Minnesota Vikings second-year QB J.J. McCarthy (pick No. 10 in 2024) has been the only Michigan passer selected in the first round.

LSU, meanwhile, has churned out first-round QBs in 2020 No. 1 pick Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) and 2024 No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders). Both are also Heisman winners.

Underwood struggled in his first season at Michigan, completing a below-average 61.1 percent of his passes and throwing nine touchdown passes and six interceptions. 

With Michigan looking for a new HC, transferring to LSU seems wise for Underwood. New HC Lane Kiffin — who recently replaced Brian Kelly — is a lightning rod, but he's a QB whisperer. New York Giants QB/ former Ole Miss Rebels star Jaxson Dart — pick No. 25 of the 2025 draft — played three seasons for former Rebels HC Kiffin.

Per CBS Sports' Chris Hummer, Underwood will have to break his contract, which includes a sizable buyout, to transfer. But he should find a way to do so. He should now realize his financially motivated decision was the wrong one, and it would be best for him to make a change.