BREAKING: 5-Star QB Julian Lewis Signs with Michigan Wolverines, Inks Multi-Million Dollar NIL Deal
🚨 BREAKING: 5-Star QB Julian Lewis Signs with Michigan Wolverines, Inks Multi-Million Dollar NIL Deal
ANN ARBOR, MI – June 23, 2025 – In one of the most stunning recruiting developments of the college football offseason, Julian Lewis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class and one of the most electrifying high school talents in recent memory, has committed to the University of Michigan, flipping from USC in a decision that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape.
The Georgia native, widely considered a generational talent, not only committed to the Wolverines but also signed a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement reportedly worth upwards of $5 million, solidifying his status as a new face of Michigan football and the broader college football NIL era.
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🧨 A Bombshell Flip
Julian Lewis, a 5-star quarterback from Carrollton High School (Carrollton, GA), had been verbally committed to the USC Trojans since 2023, and most recruiting analysts expected him to enroll early in Los Angeles in January 2026. That projection changed in dramatic fashion when, after a series of quiet visits to Ann Arbor and conversations with Michigan’s coaching staff, Lewis announced on social media that he had “found the right home.”
> “Michigan offers the perfect combination of academics, football legacy, and quarterback development,” Lewis wrote on his Instagram post. “I want to win championships and build something special in Ann Arbor. Go Blue!”
The announcement was accompanied by a brief video of Lewis donning the iconic maize and blue jersey, set against a backdrop of Michigan Stadium.
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💰 The NIL Deal: A New Era
According to sources close to the Lewis family and Michigan’s NIL collective, Lewis has secured an NIL package estimated between $4.5 and $5.2 million, which includes national brand endorsements, local Michigan business partnerships, and equity in a startup run by Michigan alumni.
This NIL deal makes him one of the highest-paid incoming college athletes in the country, and certainly the top NIL earner in Michigan football history. The agreement is said to include:
A clothing and lifestyle brand deal with a major athletic company.
Social media content partnerships with national tech and media brands.
A revenue-sharing model with a Detroit-based sports marketing firm.
Charitable commitments to youth football in Atlanta and Detroit.
> “Julian’s presence brings national visibility,” said a representative from the Champion Circle NIL collective. “This is not just about football. He’s a brand, a leader, and the future of the program.”
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🧠 Why Michigan?
Several factors played into Lewis’s decision to choose Michigan over USC, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State:
1. Quarterback Development
Michigan’s track record of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks has grown in recent years, especially after J.J. McCarthy’s first-round NFL Draft selection in 2024. New head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell have built a quarterback-friendly system blending pro-style concepts with mobility and spread spacing—ideal for Lewis’s dual-threat capabilities.
2. Legacy Program with Modern Appeal
Michigan’s combination of tradition and innovation appealed to Lewis and his family. The Wolverines’ back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024 helped showcase the program’s championship aspirations.
3. Strong NIL Infrastructure
Michigan has leaned into the evolving NIL landscape with confidence, creating sustainable, transparent deals for players without compromising its academic or cultural integrity.
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⚡ What Julian Lewis Brings
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Lewis is known for his quick release, elite pocket presence, and ability to make off-schedule throws. His football IQ is years ahead of his age, and he’s been starting since his freshman year at Carrollton High School, where he passed for over 10,000 yards and 120 touchdowns across three seasons.
> “Julian is a rare blend of anticipation, confidence, and leadership,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “He sees the field like a veteran NFL quarterback, and his intangibles are off the charts.”
Lewis is also noted for his maturity and media savviness—critical in the high-pressure NIL era.
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🌍 National Reactions
The college football world was left stunned by Lewis’s flip, with fans and analysts reacting across social media and sports networks.
🔥 “Massive for Michigan”
Former Michigan great and NFL analyst Charles Woodson posted, “Welcome to the family @JulianLewis. Leaders. Best. Let’s go!”
❌ “A Blow to USC”
USC fans, confident for nearly two years, were left in disbelief. The Trojans will now have to recalibrate their 2026 QB room, which was built around Lewis as the centerpiece.
💬 Recruiting Experts
Recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong described the move as “one of the most stunning flips in modern recruiting history,” especially considering Michigan wasn’t seen as a major player until recent months.
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🧭 What’s Next for Lewis?
Julian Lewis plans to graduate early and enroll at Michigan in January 2026, where he will likely compete immediately for playing time, depending on the 2025 quarterback depth chart.
Given his stature and poise, many believe Lewis could be Michigan’s starter as a true freshman, especially if the team remains in national title contention.
Off the field, he’ll be involved in brand-building, media appearances, and community outreach through NIL commitments.
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📣 Final Word
Julian Lewis’s decision to commit to Michigan is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement of intent. The Wolverines are not only chasing national titles but redefining how elite athletes thrive in the modern college football era.
As one Michigan fan put it best on X (formerly Twitter):
> “This is not just a commitment. This is the start of something legendary.”
Go Blue.
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