In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, few battles have been as intense as the one between LSU and the Oklahoma Sooners for the services of elite quarterback prospects. Both programs, renowned for their storied histories and commitment to excellence, have vied for top-tier talent to lead their offenses into the future. This fierce competition reached a crescendo with the recruitment of Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class, and Michael Hawkins Jr., a highly sought-after four-star quarterback.
Bryce Underwood, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback from Belleville, Michigan, emerged as the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting cycle. His high school career was nothing short of spectacular, amassing over 3,300 passing yards and 44 touchdowns in his junior season, along with nearly 200 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His performance led Belleville High School to three consecutive state championship appearances, solidifying his status as the top quarterback prospect in the nation.
LSU, under the guidance of head coach Brian Kelly, recognized Underwood’s potential early and extended an offer during his sophomore year. The Tigers’ rich history of developing quarterbacks, including Heisman winners Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, played a pivotal role in Underwood’s decision. On January 6, 2024, Underwood committed to LSU, choosing the Tigers over formidable programs like Alabama and Michigan.
However, the recruitment saga took an unexpected turn when Michigan, seeking to flip Underwood’s commitment, extended a staggering $10.5 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offer over four years. This unprecedented financial package underscored the growing influence of NIL in college football recruiting. Despite the allure of such a lucrative deal, Underwood remained steadfast in his commitment to LSU, further solidifying the Tigers’ position as a powerhouse in college football recruitin
Parallel to Underwood’s recruitment, LSU also made significant strides in securing another top quarterback prospect, Michael Hawkins Jr. Hailing from Allen, Texas, Hawkins was initially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners. However, in a stunning turn of events, Hawkins decommitted from Oklahoma and flipped his commitment to LSU in February 2025, choosing the Tigers over other suitors like Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Hawkins’ decision was influenced by several factors, including LSU’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks and the strong relationship he built with Coach Kelly and the staff. His commitment added another layer of depth to LSU’s already impressive recruiting class, which also featured five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore and running back Harlem Berry.
The Sooners, not to be outdone, continued to pursue top quarterback talent. In March 2025, four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley from Texas scheduled an official visit to Oklahoma, signaling the program’s ongoing commitment to securing elite talent under head coach Brent Venables. In conclusion, the recruiting battles between LSU and Oklahoma for elite quarterback prospects like Bryce Underwood and Michael Hawkins Jr. highlight the intense competition among college football programs to secure top-tier talent. While LSU emerged victorious in these particular instances, the dynamic nature of college football recruiting ensures that such rivalries will continue to shape the landscape of the sport for years to come.
