Michigan’s Champions Circle NIL collective stunned the college football world by securing consensus No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood, with an unexpected key player emerging: Jolin Ellison.
Key Takeaways
- Jolin Ellison, the wife of billionaire Larry Ellison, was crucial in recruiting quarterback Bryce Underwood to Michigan.
- She is a University of Michigan alumna with a mysterious public profile.
- Jolin is estimated to be in her early 30s.
The mysterious wife of Oracle Corporation co-founder Larry Ellison, reportedly a Michigan alumna, was instrumental in flipping Underwood’s commitment from LSU to Michigan.
While famous alumni like Tom Brady and Dave Portnoy received initial credit, Jolin’s behind-the-scenes efforts proved decisive.
"I want to personally thank Jolin and Larry Ellison who were instrumental in making this happen."
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) November 22, 2024
Jolin is playing chess, not checkers. ♟️ https://t.co/NyJDHDIoiX pic.twitter.com/oD5aM9UCBR
The Recruitment Strategy
According to Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy, a strategic Zoom call between himself, Larry Ellison, and Jolin ultimately sealed the deal.
Jolin reportedly expressed frustration with Michigan’s recent performance, stating she “can’t stomach waking up on a Saturday knowing we’re not the best team on the field.”
Dave Portnoy details his involvement in flipping No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood〽️👀
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) November 26, 2024
(via @stoolpresidente)
Read: https://t.co/cYCWP5rJr8 pic.twitter.com/YGaTK7gLTY
The recruitment package was extraordinary – a reported $10 million NIL deal over four seasons, significantly outpacing LSU’s $1.5 million annual offer.
Who is Jolin Ellison?
Details about Jolin Ellison remain a mystery. Estimated to be in her early 30s and allegedly a Michigan alumna during the Brady Hoke coaching era (2011-2014), she maintains an almost non-existent digital footprint.
Her recent public appearance was at the Indian Wells tennis tournament, where she wore a Michigan baseball cap alongside Larry Ellison, who purchased the venue for $100 million in 2009.
Wife, Jolin Ellison, is a #Michigan alum https://t.co/aKuHULLR7d
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) November 22, 2024
Online commenters have noted the unusual lack of information about Jolin, with one remarking,
“I’m sure someone who’s rich enough to have wiped herself from the internet is loving this attention.”
Via Reddit
Another added,
“I was thinking that too lol. If she went to college during the hoke era then she’s young enough to most definitely have a digital footprint yet she doesn’t even show up as Larry’s wife lol”
Via Reddit
Our queen 👑 (Jolin Ellison) pic.twitter.com/2pYFVPaa2R
— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) November 26, 2024
The third said,
“There definitely are means of vanishing. It’s a matter of how much time and dedication you have. And since she doesn’t need a day job, I’m guessing the first one isn’t a limiting factor for her. But the fact that she literally was at Umich the same time as I was and doesn’t even have like a mention on his Wikipedia page or a LinkedIn for a Charitable foundation or something is wild.”
Via Reddit
While speculating the couple’s relationship, one thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the wide age gap.
Talking about how young Jolin is, one person mentioned,
“Hoke coached from 2011-14. Jolin allegedly went to Michigan during that time, making her somewhere between ~15-18 in 2011, and so born sometime between ~1993-1996. Larry Ellison was born in 1944. Neat.”
Via Reddit
Another one followed up,
“Probably closer to 30, I’m class of 2015 my time at Michigan pretty much matched with Hoke’s time at Michigan, and I’m 31”
Via Reddit
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Larry Ellison is currently ranked as the third richest person globally.
- The couple’s marriage was first publicized on November 21st, 2024.
- Their NIL support represents a significant investment in collegiate athletics.
