No. 1 Recruit Bryce Underwood Stands By LSU: NIL Is ‘Last Thing I’m Thinking About’

Andrew PetersJune 3, 2024

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While NIL deals are undeniably a factor in many top recruits’ collegiate decisions, LSU quarterback commit Bryce Underwood said his main focus is getting to the next level.

“It’s mainly about what I’m trying to get to,” Underwood said, per On3’s Pete Nakos. “My main goal is the NFL, first draft pick. Money is going to be the last thing I’m thinking about until I get to the league.”

Underwood is a 5-star recruit and is considered to be the top prospect in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports Composite. With that kind of prestige, the NIL deals are bound to come in for Underwood when he arrives in Baton Rouge. For now, he’s focused on getting better and making an impact for the Tigers.

According to Nakos, Underwood opted to stay home in Belleville, Michigan, over the weekend rather than going to different campuses for official visits as other top recruits did. That move confirmed that he’s satisfied with his decision to go to LSU and showed he’s not interested in making schools go into NIL bidding wars for him.

In today’s NIL-dominated climate, having a top player unconcerned with money is a rarity, and the Tigers seemingly have that in Underwood.

The reigning Michigan football Gatorade Player of the Year threw for 3,329 yards and 41 touchdowns last season and is looking to continue his dominance in the upcoming high school football season. After that, he’ll begin his journey with LSU.