In a stunning turn of events, five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood has decommitted from Ohio State and announced his commitment to Notre Dame over LSU. This move has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world and is expected to have significant implications for all three programs involved.
Underwood, who is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, had previously pledged to Ohio State. His decision to flip his commitment to Notre Dame marks a major shift in his recruitment and has left many college football fans and analysts wondering about the reasons behind the change.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Belleville, Michigan, had been a highly sought-after prospect for months, receiving offers from some of the most prestigious football programs in the country. His commitment to Ohio State earlier in the process was seen as a major victory for the Buckeyes, as Underwood had long been a top target for head coach Ryan Day and his staff.
However, Underwood’s decision to flip to Notre Dame comes as a surprise to many, especially with LSU being a major contender for his services. The Tigers, under head coach Brian Kelly, had made a strong push for the talented signal-caller, and many believed they had a legitimate shot at landing him.
So, what led to Underwood’s change of heart? There are several factors that could have influenced his decision, and most of them revolve around the unique selling points of each program.
First, Notre Dame’s stability and tradition likely played a role. The Fighting Irish have a rich football history, and Underwood may have been attracted to the idea of playing in South Bend for a program with a storied legacy. Notre Dame also boasts a strong reputation for developing quarterbacks, with recent success stories like Ian Book, who led the team to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2020. The program’s academic prestige and commitment to excellence both on and off the field could have been key factors in his decision.
Additionally, the coaching staff at Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, has made significant strides in recent years. Freeman has brought a sense of excitement and energy to the program, and Underwood’s relationship with the coaching staff may have played a significant role in his change of heart. The opportunity to play under Freeman’s leadership could have been too appealing to pass up.
On the other hand, Ohio State’s quarterback room is one of the most competitive in the country, with highly-rated prospects already on the roster and incoming recruits vying for playing time. Underwood may have been looking for a program where he could have a more immediate impact, and Notre Dame might have offered him that opportunity.
For LSU, the loss of Underwood is a major blow to their 2025 recruiting class, as the Tigers were hoping to land a top-tier quarterback to lead their offense in the coming years. However, LSU remains a powerhouse in college football, and they will likely regroup and continue to pursue other elite quarterback prospects.
As for Underwood, his decision to flip to Notre Dame will have major implications for his recruitment and for the programs involved. It’s a reminder that recruiting in college football is always fluid, and even the most committed prospects can change their minds at the last moment.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues, all eyes will be on Underwood as he prepares for his senior season and the next chapter of his football career at Notre Dame. The impact of his commitment could reshape the future of the Fighting Irish’s quarterback position and set the stage for exciting times ahead in South Bend.
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