LSU’s Loss of Bryce Underwood Might Not Be a Bad Thing, According to CFB Analyst
In the ever-evolving world of college football, decisions are made daily that could shape the future of programs, recruiting strategies, and team dynamics. One of the most notable headlines in recent months has been the decision by Bryce Underwood, a highly regarded quarterback prospect from Michigan, to commit to another program instead of LSU. The loss of such a promising young talent would traditionally be seen as a major blow to any football program. However, in a compelling argument, college football (CFB) analyst and insider, John Williams, suggests that LSU’s loss of Underwood may not be as catastrophic as many believe. In fact, Williams argues that the loss of Underwood could ultimately be a blessing in disguise for LSU, providing them with greater flexibility, better roster balance, and the ability to refocus their recruiting efforts on other key areas.
The Hype Surrounding Bryce Underwood
Before diving into why Underwood’s commitment to another school might not be the end of the world for LSU, it’s important to understand the magnitude of the situation. Bryce Underwood, the 6’3″, 210-pound quarterback from Detroit, Michigan, has been widely considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. His accolades are numerous, and his talent has earned him comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks to ever play college football. Underwood’s ability to make every throw, his athleticism, and his leadership qualities have made him a highly sought-after recruit.
For LSU, a school that has prided itself on its legacy of elite quarterbacks—most recently exemplified by Joe Burrow—the thought of Underwood leading the offense for the next several years was enticing. His decision to verbally commit to LSU in 2024 was a monumental win for the program, with many seeing it as the next step in building a future powerhouse.
However, just a few months later, Underwood flipped his commitment to another powerhouse program, leaving LSU fans stunned. The loss of Underwood sent shockwaves through the recruiting world and raised questions about the program’s future. Yet, as Williams argues, LSU’s loss may actually serve as a catalyst for growth rather than a step backward.
The Argument for Flexibility
One of the primary reasons why Williams believes LSU’s loss of Underwood may not be so devastating is the newfound flexibility the Tigers have in their recruiting strategy. With a five-star quarterback recruit no longer in the fold, LSU has the opportunity to explore other positions of need, particularly in the trenches and on defense.
At the core of Williams’ argument is the importance of roster balance. While having a top-tier quarterback is crucial, it is also essential to maintain a well-rounded team that can compete for championships. LSU has been known for its strength on defense, particularly its ability to produce NFL-caliber players. With the loss of Underwood, LSU can shift its focus toward building up other positions that will help ensure long-term success. This includes bolstering the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary—areas where LSU has historically been strong but is always looking to improve.
Recruiting is a delicate balance, and while landing a five-star quarterback is undoubtedly exciting, it can sometimes skew a program’s priorities. By losing Underwood, LSU now has the opportunity to reset and reallocate resources. They can focus on recruiting additional playmakers, securing key depth pieces, and ensuring they are strong across all areas of the roster, not just at the quarterback position.
Depth at Quarterback
Another reason why Williams is not concerned about the loss of Underwood is the depth LSU already possesses at quarterback. In recent years, the Tigers have seen strong performances from quarterbacks like Max Johnson, Myles Brennan, and the standout performances from Jayden Daniels. Daniels, in particular, has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football, leading LSU to key victories and a trip to the SEC Championship Game in 2022. With Daniels returning for another season, the Tigers already have an experienced and capable quarterback to lead the offense, allowing them the luxury of being more patient in their quarterback search.
In college football, quarterback depth is a valuable asset. While many programs become overly reliant on one five-star prospect to solve all their problems, LSU has maintained a relatively stable quarterback room in recent years. The addition of transfers and continued development of younger quarterbacks means LSU has flexibility at the position. Even without Underwood, the program is in no rush to force a quarterback into the starting role before they are ready.
This depth means LSU can focus on the long-term development of a future star rather than rushing to recruit a top quarterback immediately. The pressure to secure a specific player like Underwood might have caused LSU to make compromises or overpay in other areas. Losing Underwood gives the Tigers the opportunity to build the quarterback position more organically, focusing on developing the talent they already have in the room.
A Stronger Recruiting Class
While the loss of a five-star prospect like Underwood may initially seem like a setback, it could end up being a blessing in disguise when it comes to LSU’s overall recruiting class. Without the commitment of Underwood tying up a large portion of their resources, LSU can turn its attention to other highly ranked recruits who may have otherwise been overlooked. In a year where LSU has a talented recruiting class on the horizon, focusing on different positions allows the Tigers to stack up talent across the board, rather than becoming overly fixated on a single recruit.
Recruiting rankings can be deceiving, and while having a five-star quarterback is often seen as the key to a program’s future, many successful teams have built their championship-winning rosters without a blue-chip quarterback. By prioritizing a well-rounded recruiting class, LSU could strengthen its overall talent base, improving its chances for sustained success in the future.
Additionally, without the pressure of securing Underwood, LSU can take a more methodical approach to their quarterback recruitment. The Tigers are likely to target quarterbacks who fit their system and culture, rather than simply going after the highest-ranked prospect. This could lead to the development of a quarterback who thrives in the program and is better suited to its offensive scheme.
The Case for Program Culture Over One Player
One of the most significant factors that Williams highlights in his argument is the importance of LSU’s program culture. Underwood’s loss should not be viewed through the lens of one player’s decision but rather as an opportunity for the program to further develop its culture of success. LSU has built a reputation as a perennial contender in college football, and this culture of winning is larger than any single recruit.
The program’s stability, coaching staff, and track record of developing NFL talent will continue to attract top-tier recruits, even without Underwood. LSU has long been a destination for elite athletes, and its infrastructure, fan base, and historic success give it a competitive advantage in recruiting. While Underwood was a highly coveted recruit, the Tigers have a solid foundation that will continue to bring in top talent.