Billionaire helped Michigan land No. 1 recruit

Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood prepares to throw a pass during practice at the Belleville High School football field in Belleville, Michigan on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Photo Credit: David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan landed its biggest recruit in program history this week when quarterback Bryce Underwood announced his commitment to the Wolverines, and we now have a better idea of who put up the money to make it happen.

Champion’s Circle, which is Michigan’s official name, image and likeness collective, issued a statement on Thursday that included a personal thank you to billionaire Larry Ellison and his wife Jolin. The statement said Ellison was “instrumental in making this happen by providing Champions Circle with invaluable guidance and financial resources.” Jolin, who is described as “a proud Michigan alum,” also provided a quote.

“I am a big fan of the University of Michigan and Michigan Athletics. We are excited to support our student-athletes, so they can go compete at the highest level in college sports,” Jolin Ellison said.

Larry Ellison founded Oracle. The 80-year-old is worth more than $200 billion and one of the richest people in the world. Jolin is Larry’s fifth wife, according to reports, and it appears Larry is committed to helping Jolin’s alma mater win more football games.

Larry Ellison is now the most important person in CFB.

And it’s all thanks to his girlfriend/fiance/wife (don’t know if they’re married yet) pic.twitter.com/LiDrYddV12

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) November 23, 2024

Underwood had been committed to LSU before flipping to Michigan. Tom Brady was also said to have played a role in getting the top quarterback prospect to Ann Arbor. A notable media personality may have also been involved in the process.

The landscape of college football has changed dramatically in recent years, and there is no better reminder of that than the Underwood situation.