Bryce Underwood proves all the NIL money in the world can't buy you a great QB

In a season filled with quarterback struggles, the Michigan Wolverines went out and flipped the Nation's No. 1 ranked quarterback recruit in the country, Bryce Underwood, away from LSU. Bryce Underwood appeared to be a transformational quarterback recruit with all the tools you could ask for while hailing from the state of Michigan.

Michigan landed Bryce Underwood thanks to NIL, spending top dollar to flip his commitment away from LSU. Larry Ellison, the world's 7th richest man, and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy pitched Underwood, and handed him an NIL deal worth roughly $10.5 million before he even played a snap of college football.

Underwood's first season was very underwhelming, but most Michigan fans pointed to Sherrone Moore's staff as the reason for his struggles. Kyle Whitingham's staff was expected to "save" Bryce Underwood, but the early results are daunting.

Bryce Underwood is proof NIL can't buy everything

On Saturday Night, the Michigan Wolverines nearly suffered one of the most shocking upsets imaginable, escaping 13-12 over Western Michigan thanks to a ridiculous added second allowing the Wolverines another chance at a Hail Mary.

The Michigan defense was outstanding, allowing just 12 points while 6 of those points came because of turnovers in short field position, keeping the Wolverines in the game.

The only person you can blame for Michigan's loss is quarterback Bryce Underwood as he turned the Wolverines into a one-dimensional offense. Underwood finished the game 12-22 for 170 yards with a touchdown, and an interception while rushing for 47 yards and a touchdown, but he also fumbled late in the 4th quarter.

The Hail Mary saved Bryce Underwood, but it's also clear that he's not nearly good enough for the pice tag he carries.

Michigan did what every team wishes they could do, going out and buying the top recruit in the Country at the biggest position of need. The issue is that just because the recruit is highly ranked doesn't mean that they're going to pan out. Development is so important, and Bryce Underwood even said Michigan doesn't develop QBs before he flipped.

At this point, Bryce Underwood is still a raw prospect despite the fact that he's now been with the program for two seasons, which is a major concern. Sherrone Moore's staff didn't help him grow, and the early returns with Kyle Whittingham aren't looking promising either.

The Wolverines are in an impossible spot now as Bryce Underwood is getting paid a ton of money by donors, and there's pressure to make him a good player. Unless Bryce Underwood starts to grow leaps and bounds, Michigan is going to have to look at their options as Big Ten play is only going to be tougher.

Escaping with a win is helpful, but it's also clear that Bryce Underwood wasn't the reason they won the game. Money can buy you all the recruits and transfers you want, but we've seen time and time again that the coaching staffs need to find a way to develop every player that enters the program.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow