Michigan football recruiting miss highlights importance of No. 1 target

On Sunday, Michigan football recruiting hosted its annual BBQ at the Big House event at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI. A ton of the Wolverines’ top targets from the 2025 class were in town, including four-star Ryan Montgomery and more. However, Akili Smith Jr., who was initially on the guest list for this massive weekend, chose the Oregon Ducks over Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines and the Florida Gators last night, further emphasizing the importance of landing Bryce Underwood for Michigan.

Bryce Underwood remains the top Michigan football recruiting target

Bryce Underwood is the No. 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247 composite rankings and the On3 industry rankings — he is also the top Michigan football recruiting target in the nation, regardless of class. As a Michigan native (he plays for Belleville High School), it appears that the Maize and Blue have an early edge in this recruitment, though with all of the nation’s top teams in pursuit, it’s clear that the Wolverines have stout competition.

Because of this, Michigan football has a series of other 2025 quarterbacks, who are also ranked among the nation’s best, that they would love to lock down. That said, one of these top quarterbacks is no longer on the market — four-star Akili Smith Jr., who is ESPN’s No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class. Due to Monday’s commitment in favor of the Oregon Ducks, the importance of Michigan landing Bryce Underwood has been underscored.

Getting Underwood in the Maize and Blue has always been essential for Jim Harbaugh and the 2025 Michigan football recruiting efforts. However, now that some of the Wolverines’ options are coming off the board, all eyes are locked in on getting the No. 1 recruit in the nation to Ann Arbor, further extending Michigan’s national title window and keeping the Wolverines among the nation’s best programs.

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