Michigan’s Bryce Underwood is redefining college football’s financial landscape, earning more in NIL money than several NFL quarterbacks just five games into his career. Michigan’s aggressive NIL strategy highlights new recruiting priorities and financial power in college sports.

ESPN rated all of the best freshmen in college football, including redshirt freshmen. Even still, Underwood comes in the top 10, ranked No. 6 among first-year players, redshirt or not.

Michigan is one of several Big Ten teams that are starting quarterbacks in their first or second year of college and are living with good moments and growing pains.

Michigan was one of the largest fallers in the ESPN rankings. After the loss to USC, the Wolverines plummeted five spots in the rankings. Michigan sits at No. 17 in the ESPN Football Power Index rankings. Before the matchup against the Trojans, the Wolverines were flirting with the Top 10.

Barstool Sports founder and Michigan superfan Dave Portnoy shared his frustration following the No. 15 Wolverines’ loss 31-13 to USC.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- First, Michigan football had to pull something of a coup, managing to get 247Sports' No. 82 player in the country, wide receiver Andrew Marsh, over some of his other big offers (schools like Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, and USC ). But then, it put Marsh to work.

Underwood ran wild against Central Michigan, which is undeniably a far cry from USC. However, since that game, the Michigan coaching staff has openly encouraged Underwood to utilize his legs more. After just six combined rush attempts in his first two weeks, he has averaged 7.3 carries per game in his last three outings.

Bryce Underwood threw for 200 yards in the second half as Michigan football pulled away from Wisconsin in Week 6 at Michigan Stadium.

Though Michigan's passing game is improved behind its five-star freshman QB, drops are holding the offense back.

The Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans enter Week 7 with 4-1 records. Both teams' only loss came to a top 20 ranked opponent. Both could propel themselves into Big Ten conference contention and rise into College Football Playoff consideration with a victory over the other.