Bryce Underwood explains why he signed with Michigan and sets college goals

The man of the hour at Belleville High School walked into the school cafeteria dressed for the occasion and ready for the attention.

Belleville five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood showed up to the school’s signing day for all seven graduates moving on to the next level, wearing a blue Michigan tracksuit and diamond Cartier glasses. He was greeted by a packed room eager to see him sign with Michigan football in the early stages of his contract.

“It’s just a blessing,” Underwood said. “A blessing that I have worked for my entire life.”

Underwood and four-star safety Elijah Dotson made it official with the Wolverines on Wednesday afternoon, along with five teammates who headed elsewhere. Underwood and Dotson signed the papers shortly after 5:30 p.m. and joined the Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class.

CLASS OF 2025:Meet Michigan football’s top 10 recruiting class, highlighted by QB Bryce Underwood

Underwood’s signing marks the first recruiting milestone for Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore and his staff. Considered the No. 1 overall prospect and quarterback in the 2025 class according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, Underwood decommitted to Michigan in mid-November after being verbally committed to LSU for most of 2024.

He said he chose Michigan based on what would help his family the most.

“Honestly, when I had to figure out what my opinion is on everything that’s going to help my family the most,” he said of Michigan’s return to the picture. “And besides, I know I have to go to school too.”

Underwood said Michigan’s status as an academic school influenced his decision and later declined to answer a question about the school’s NIL push. He also said the attention from Michigan alumni like Tom Brady was “nice,” but he was more focused on the academic aspects.

“Honestly, school,” Underwood said when asked why Michigan was the one. “School is a big thing too. My education is everything and I also help my home school, my hometown big college, to the next level and to some national championships.”

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He had no interest in lowering expectations and doubling down on the goal of leading Michigan to the national championship.

“Yes sir (that’s the goal), definitely,” Underwood said. “No question.”

Underwood is the second consensus No. 1 player to join the Wolverines, joining Edge Rashan Gary (2016), and the program’s highest-rated quarterback in the modern recruiting era (2002). Underwood is expected to be Michigan’s long-term solution at quarterback after the Wolverines struggled in 2024 with Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle and Alex Orji splitting time.

But Underwood is only focused on what he can control when he starts at the next level. He and Dotson both graduate from Belleville on Dec. 19 and plan to enroll immediately for spring practice at Michigan. Asked about the offensive coordinator change, Underwood said it was the coach’s decision, not his, and also said it wouldn’t be up to him if Michigan decides to add another quarterback through the transfer portal.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be the best,” Underwood said.

At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, Underwood is a true dual-threat quarterback who consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver accurate passes at all three levels with Belleville while shouldering a significant load in the zone-focused running game. He led Belleville to consecutive Division 1 state championships as a freshman and sophomore and became the school’s record holder for passing yards and touchdowns while compiling a 50-4 record.

“I’m ready to take my talents and athleticism that I’m capable of to the next level,” Underwood said.

A LATE ADD:Michigan Football adds DL Travis Moten to the 2025 recruiting class on Early Signing Day

Underwood’s mother, Beverly, said the most memorable moments in her son’s recruiting process were his ability to remain focused and humble despite all the outside noise, growing into a man capable of handling the overwhelming amount of attention. She said her advice to him was to follow his heart and he ultimately made the decision himself to transfer to Michigan.

“It would have to be an academic where you fit in, where you see yourself for the next three to four years, where he can make a big impact,” Beverly said of her advice to her son.

After speaking to the media, Underwood and Dotson waited to take photos and sign autographs for the dozens of supporters. Underwood said he will bring his fans to Michigan to help the Wolverines get back to regular contention for national titles.

“Honestly, most likely record-breaking,” Underwood said of his college expectations. “I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do and what I’ve done my whole life.”

Elijah Dotson wants to be the next great Michigan DB

Dotson only played one season at Underwood after transferring to Belleville for his senior season. The Detroit native started at UD Jesuit and showed up to his signing ceremony wearing an homage to his new school and hometown – a tracksuit identical to Underwood’s with gold and navy Cartier embellishments. It was a quintessential Detroit look — and also a turnover boost for the Wolverine defense he joins.

“It’s a Detroit thing, you know I had to rock with the Buffs,” Dotson told the Free Press before signing.

Dotson is a four-star safety and is rated as the No. 2 recruit in Michigan for the 2025 class behind his quarterback. He originally committed to Pittsburgh in May, but changed his decision just days before following Underwood to Michigan.

“It started with the new hires coming to Michigan to build a relationship with the new hires,” Dotson said of his process. “But once I built that relationship, I know that’s what I wanted to do — stay home. I have a great relationship with the new employees. Great men, great coaches.”

Dotson played both defensive back and wide receiver for Belleville. He was a threat-receiving downfield player and also played both cornerback and safety in the Tigers’ secondary. He’s a big believer in playing safety at Michigan and is eager to continue the Wolverines’ tradition of great defensive backs. He mentions that he is following in the footsteps of cornerback Will Johnson – a fellow Detroit native – and safety Makari Paige.

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Bryce Underwood explains why he signed with Michigan and sets college goals

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