In a stunning twist in college football recruiting, top quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan, with billionaire Larry Ellison and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy playing pivotal roles in the decision. Fans first noticed Ellison’s name in Michigan’s NIL collective announcement, thanking him and his wife, Jolin, for their “invaluable guidance and financial resources.”
Dave Portnoy joined forces to secure Underwood’s commitment to Michigan
Portnoy, a proud Michigan alumnus, revealed in a Barstool College Football Show interview how Ellison became involved. Initially planning to support Michigan’s recruiting efforts on his own, Portnoy received a call about Jolin Ellison, a big Barstool fan, who introduced him to her husband, Larry, co-founder of Oracle. “It was like the mega powers uniting,” Portnoy joked about their collaboration, which ultimately led to a high-stakes pitch for Underwood.
Through a Zoom call with Underwood and his family, Dave Portnoy, the Ellisons, and Michigan’s NIL collective offered the five-star recruit a game-changing deal: $10 million over four years. LSU’s counteroffer of $1.5 million per year couldn’t match the allure of Michigan’s deal. Portnoy celebrated Underwood’s commitment, declaring, “QB No. 1. It’s great to be king!”
Despite the Wolverines’ challenging season, currently at 6-5, the addition of Underwood signals a bright future for Michigan football. Portnoy has also announced a collaboration with Underwood for a merchandise collection, further cementing his involvement in the team’s recruitment efforts. With Underwood on board, Michigan hopes to return to championship form in the coming years.
