Michigan basketball coach Dusty May has long been known for his ability to land the state's top talent. This week, it was Orchard Lake St. Mary's guard Trey McKenney, a highly rated five-star recruit, who signed a Big Ten scholarship agreement to join the Wolverines. While it's not quite at the same level yet, the focus now turns to five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. On Thursday night, just before Michigan's basketball victory over Tarleton State, 72 - 49, Underwood made a significant announcement on social media. He flipped his pledge from LSU to Michigan, sending the internet into a frenzy. Coach May, without specifically referring to Underwood, expressed his excitement about the future. "I don't want any secondary violations, but I'm extremely excited to watch football next year in the Big House," he said. This is a big day for the University of Michigan, and many people have contributed to making it happen.

Champions Circle's Role in the Flip

Behind the scenes, the name, image, and likeness (NIL) space plays a crucial role. The Champions Circle collective, U-M's main affiliate, is largely credited with providing the resources to pull off this significant flip in program history. As chairman Nate Forbes stated in a Champions Circle post on X (formerly Twitter), "We are very excited to keep Bryce home in Michigan as he continues to build his legacy." After this announcement, Michigan's recruiting class jumped to No. 9 in the nation according to 247 Sports. This is just the beginning, and the Wolverines are set to continue their recruitment efforts hard. The 72 - hour early signing period begins on Dec. 4, with National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Benefits of Acquiring Top Talent

From Coach May's perspective, acquiring talent like Bryce Underwood plays a vital role in the success of the athletic department. "We're all going to benefit from acquiring talent like that," he said. The highest level of talent in any sport has a positive impact on the entire team and the university. It brings excitement, competitiveness, and the potential for great achievements. Michigan now has more momentum than ever before, and they are ready to make their mark on the recruiting scene.

Continued Recruitment Efforts

With the recent flip and the improved recruiting position, Michigan is determined to keep the momentum going. They will be hitting the trail hard, seeking out more top talent to join the Wolverines. The 72 - hour early signing period provides a crucial window, and they will be working hard to secure more commitments. National Signing Day on Feb. 5 will be a significant event, and Michigan is aiming to make it a memorable one. The coaching staff, along with the support of the NIL space and the Champions Circle, is committed to building a strong and successful recruiting class.