Michigan lands No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood in a stunning recruiting move that involved the help of billionaire Larry Ellison’s wife, Jolin Zhu. Ellison’s wife, a Michigan alum, played a significant role in flipping Underwood’s commitment from LSU to Michigan. The couple provided financial resources and guidance through the Champions Circle NIL group to secure Underwood’s commitment, expected to be worth over $15 million. Jolin, a proud Michigan supporter, expressed excitement in supporting student-athletes at her alma mater. This decision could have a significant impact on college football, especially if Underwood lives up to his status as the top recruit in the country.
Ellison, the founder of Oracle, and Jolin are known for their generous contributions to Michigan’s recruitment efforts. They met with Underwood and his father, emphasizing the value of hard work and Michigan’s tradition in college sports. Notable figures like Tom Brady and Dave Portnoy also played essential roles in convincing Underwood to choose Michigan over other schools. Brady personally reached out to Underwood to encourage him and sell him on the benefits of playing for Michigan. Jay Underwood cited Michigan’s strong community and the opportunity to play close to home as key factors in Bryce’s decision. Ultimately, this recruiting success highlights the power of influential donors like Larry Ellison and dedicated supporters like Jolin Zhu in shaping the landscape of college athletics.
Source
Photo credit nypost.com