ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines football program has been in the news lately following the recent firing and arrest of former head coach Sherrone Moore.
Moore’s incident spread nationally, giving the University of Michigan unwanted press.
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For some, the best time to kick a person is when they are down, as President Donald Trump appeared to take a jab at the football program while discussing NIL.
Trump strongly criticized name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals in college sports, calling the current state a “disaster.”
He criticized the large sums paid to college athletes, particularly in football, saying colleges cannot afford to pay quarterbacks millions of dollars straight out of high school.
“You can’t pay a quarterback $14 million to come out of high school. They don’t even know if he’s going to be a very good player,” Trump said.
The high school athlete Trump was allegedly talking about was true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
When Michigan landed the Belleville native, it was reported that he would garner north of $10 million to don the maize and blue.
Trump described the NIL as “horrible for the Olympics” and “actually horrible for the players,” emphasizing that the financial model is unsustainable.
“They were training grounds for the Olympics,” Trump said. “A lot of these sports that were training so well would win gold medals because of it. Those sports don’t exist because they’re putting all their money into football.”
Trump continued: “The most successful colleges are losing money,” Trump said. “It’s a disaster for sports.”
He also warned that basketball and other sports are being affected as colleges funnel money into football.
“They will not be able to stop it,” Trump said. “If we give a guard $7 million, we’re going to win the national championship. But colleges cannot afford to pay those kinds of salaries.”
Trump suggested that a strong salary cap is necessary to prevent colleges from financially wiping themselves out.
“Something ought to be done. I’m willing to put the federal government behind it,” Trump said. “If it’s not done fast, you’re going to wipe out colleges, including ones that do well in football.”
Trump concluded by emphasizing the financial danger colleges face if the NIL system continues unchecked.
“Colleges cannot afford to play this game. It’s a very bad thing that’s happening,” Trump said.
Bryce Underwood
Underwood and the men in maize are gearing up for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where they will take on the Texas Longhorns in Orlando, Florida, on New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m.
Michigan finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, but Underwood, who was named the fourth true freshman in program history to start at quarterback, struggled at times.
Underwood had 2,229 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions during his first year as the starter.
He was expected to be the day-one starter since he flopped from LSU and committed to Michigan, but it was expected to be some growing pains as he got used to the college game.
Michigan relied on the rushing attack of Justice Haynes, Jordan Marshall, and Bryson Kuzdzal throughout the season.
But Underwood, who completed 179 of 293 passes, also used his legs, carrying the ball 74 times for 323 yards and five touchdowns.
He seemed to find a top target in fellow true freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh, who broke out this season as well.
But with the new weapons coming in, in the class of 2026, alongside some transfer portal guys, Michigan, along with their new head coach, should take the next step next season.