I've spent an unhealthy amount of hours scouring message boards the last two days (both Michigan and LSU) and these are my findings. Keep in mind I'm no insider, I know nothing directly nor have any direct ties to important people in either program.
All of that being said Bryce did/does love LSU, and I think we need an extra push to get him over the Michigan fence. Conveniently it appears the perfect storm may be brewing... I personally believe that if one or more of these dominos fall we may just get him to come our way:
Nothing is for certain, and Bryce may very well stick it out with LSU. But I do believe that there is a very real path for Michigan to flip him. I believe LSU is overconfident (not to a fatal point) and being the hometown hero with a major NIL deal paired with immediate playing time for a personable staff that's willing to build around him has given Bryce a lot to consider. Still LSU's to lose, but we have a way better chance than what they're believing.
- LSU is confident that they'll keep Bryce. They have maintained daily contact and feel good where they sit. In their eyes LSU is still the perfect fit all around. When they say "perfect fit" they generally mean QB development, WR talent/development, and scheme. They also feel confident in their ability to match any NIL offer, though its already so high that differences at this point are mostly negligible.
- Bryce likely isn't going to go somewhere based on money alone. Make no mistake NIL is the primary reason why Michigan got back in this race however, it essentially "cancels out" so now it is more of an apples to apples comparison between Michigan and LSU.
- The meter has moved and that is significant. Many LSU insiders are downplaying this (as you'd expect/they should) but a couple of months ago this was 100% LSU, it is certainly not at that point now. How much has it moved exactly? Josh believes quite a bit in Michigan's favor, but it seems like everyone has a different number. I can tell you this, it's probably more than what the LSU people are saying, but less than what some of the more optimistic Michigan people are saying... in other words its SOMETHING. That should make LSU folks sweat at least a little, and should give Michigan folks some excitement.
All of that being said Bryce did/does love LSU, and I think we need an extra push to get him over the Michigan fence. Conveniently it appears the perfect storm may be brewing... I personally believe that if one or more of these dominos fall we may just get him to come our way:
- Coaching mix-up at LSU. If their OC/QB Coach takes the HC job at ECU (his alma matter) a massive door opens for Michigan. Additionally, if Brian Kelly is to lose to either Bama or Vandy (or both) he may be sitting on a very hot seat. If either of these two are to leave or be terminated Michigan will have a golden opportunity.
- Allegedly many money folks aren't pleased with Brian Kelly and wanted him out yesterday. Nothing official on that but as Michigan fans that shouldn't be hard for most of us to imagine.
- I posted in another thread but the Chief of Staff at LSU, Beth Rex, who has been with Kelly for almost 20 years announced a resignation TODAY which may further hint to things not going great behind the scenes (with the staff) at LSU.
- Bryce can't make his visit next week. Josh pointed this out in another thread but due to playoff scheduling, should Bryce win this week making the trip down to Louisiana may be difficult. Not impossible but difficult. If it's hard to get down there, and Michigan is a serious consideration, he may end up not making the trip. If that happens you should see some real panic down South.
- Michigan continues to build a solid class around him, we know Marsh has had his recruiting hat on for us, but if we can prove that we're going to surround him with both elite and complimentary talent that could sway things. The class you come in with is almost as important as the program itself.
- Considering how much money Michigan is throwing around, this should be an easier sell.
- Garret Nussmeier stays for his final year of eligibility next season. I'm not sure how much this point individually influences Bryce that being said I'm certain playing time has been a large point of Michigan's pitch.
Nothing is for certain, and Bryce may very well stick it out with LSU. But I do believe that there is a very real path for Michigan to flip him. I believe LSU is overconfident (not to a fatal point) and being the hometown hero with a major NIL deal paired with immediate playing time for a personable staff that's willing to build around him has given Bryce a lot to consider. Still LSU's to lose, but we have a way better chance than what they're believing.
