The Michigan Wolverines went from national champions to a program under NCAA investigation struggling for bowl eligibility to 5-5 in just a few months, so it looks like they’re looking to turn their fortunes around on the recruiting trail.

On3 reported On Thursday, the Wolverines are “prepared” to offer quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood a $10.5 million deal with his name, image and likeness over four years in hopes of flipping his previous commitment to LSU.

Underwood would be a prize as he is the No. 1 prospect in the entire 2025 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports composite rankings.

He’s also from the state of Michigan, so the Wolverines could have an opportunity to play the stay-at-home angle. However, it seems that they believe that money will talk in this case and are preparing to take this approach.

This comes after Richard Johnson of CBS Sports reported earlier this month that there was a belief that Michigan would offer Underwood roughly double On3’s initial report of a $5 million deal.

Johnson also noted that “a lot of recruiting insiders think a return to Michigan is a foregone conclusion,” even though he didn’t participate in the program’s loss to Oregon when it’s rumored he might.

The Wolverines have no shortage of talent on their roster, with stars like Mason Graham, Will Johnson and Colston Loveland, among others, but this season has made it clear that they need help under center.

Alex Orji is none other than a gadget runner, Jack Tuttle retired out of football due to health issues and Davis Warren has five touchdown passes to six interceptions on the campaign.

Even solid quarterback play would certainly have the defending national champions in a better position and could have been the difference in Saturday’s 20-15 loss to undefeated Indiana.

If Underwood lives up to expectations, he will provide more than solid quarterback play. He will raise the program’s overall ceiling as a superstar recruit who could quickly put the Wolverines back in Big Ten contention alongside Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State in the coming seasons.

But first they have to get him on the recruiting trail, and it may take a NIL offer to do that.