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The Billionaire, His Mystery Wife, and College Football’s Wildest Recruiting Saga

Larry Ellison at the BNP Paribas Open in March 2018 alongside a woman identified as Jolin by a person familiar with the couple. PHOTO: MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY IMAGES

By Dustin Ele | Dec 03, 2024 Updated 01:31 p.m. ET


In a twist that has captivated the college football world, Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, and his enigmatic wife, Jolin, have been at the center of one of the wildest recruiting sagas in recent memory. This story involves millions of dollars, a top recruit, and a mystery that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.

Larry Ellison, with a net worth exceeding $200 billion, is one of the richest men in the world. His wife, Jolin, remains a mystery, with little known about her beyond her connection to Ellison. Reports suggest that Jolin played a crucial role in securing a commitment from five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, who switched his commitment from LSU to the University of Michigan.

The recruitment of Bryce Underwood was fueled by millions of dollars in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money from Michigan’s boosters. The Champions Circle, an NIL collective, announced the move, initially thanking both Larry Ellison and Jolin for their financial support. However, the statement was later edited to remove Ellison’s name, adding to the intrigue.

Jolin’s identity remains shrouded in mystery. There is no online presence for her, and even Michigan’s alumni office has no record of her. Speculation abounds about her background, with some suggesting she might be a pseudonym or an alias. The only confirmed sightings of Jolin have been at tennis matches, including the Indian Wells tournament, which Ellison owns.

Ellison’s involvement in Michigan’s recruiting efforts has the potential to transform the Wolverines into perennial title contenders. The financial backing and strategic moves have already made a significant impact, with Underwood’s commitment being a major coup for the program.

The saga of Larry Ellison, his mystery wife Jolin, and the recruitment of Bryce Underwood is a fascinating story that highlights the lengths to which programs will go to secure top talent. As the mystery continues to unfold, it remains one of the most intriguing tales in college football history.