Ya’ll ever seen a barely-outta-high school QB get the type of love usually reserved for NBA superstars? Well, Bryce Underwood just did. One day, he’s torching defenses under the Friday night lights, and the next, he’s flexing a personalized iconic gift from The Beard himself. Yeah, that James Harden. The No. 1 QB in the class of 2025 just got a nod from one of the biggest names in hoops, and if that ain’t a sign of his rising stardom, then we don’t know what is.

Bryce Underwood took it to IG story on February 3rd to flex his latest heat—a sleek, gold-theme pair of Harden Volume 9s, personally sent by James Harden. The caption? Simple but telling: “My guy! 🤞🏾 Preciate you.” Tagged Harden, and tagged Adidas football—no need for extra words when the message is loud and clear. The future Michigan Wolverines QB1 has low-key rocking Adidas and UA cleats throughout his high school career, and with this latest drop, it looks like his brand loyalty might be taking shape.

James Harden, the Clippers’ point guard, has been rocking his signature Adidas sneakers for almost a decade now. He launched the Harden Volume 9s in a bunch of different colors back in December when he dropped 41 points on the Utah Jazz. And just recently, at the end of January, the “Cyber Metallic” (black and silver) colorway launched, and Underwood received a special delivery. Looks like he’s showing some love to a young player who could very well be the next big star in college football. Think about it—could we be witnessing the early stages of Bryce Underwood securing his own signature deal down the line? Maybe even his own sneaker, just like Pat Mahomes?

Beyond the sneakers and the social media flex, Underwood is already a certified baller. The 6’4”, 214-pound QB with single-digit body fat has been that guy since his freshman year at Belleville, leading them to their first-ever MHSAA state championship in 2021. That season? Insane. Nearly 2,900 passing yards, 39 touchdowns through the air, six more on the ground. He was literally Michigan’s Division 1-2 Player of the Year and the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. And he didn’t slow down. Year after year, award after award, the man’s a literal walking IG highlights reel. No wonder why Michigan broke a bank on him.

After an 8-5 season where the Wolverines scraped by without a true signal-caller, they were desperate for a Messiah. They weren’t about to let the nation’s No. 1 QB head to LSU without a fight. Sherrone Moore and the Michigan brass pulled out all the stops—NIL money, hometown appeal, a vision for the future—and flipped him from LSU. Now, Ann Arbor has their golden boy. The question is: Will Underwood be QB1 from day one?

Michigan brought in veteran Mikey Keene from Fresno State, a guy with 8,245 passing yards and 65 touchdowns to his name. Right now, it looks like Keene will take the reins initially, but let’s be real—Underwood isn’t your typical freshman. And in college football, things change real fast.

Bryce Underwood: The highest rated recruit in On3’s history

If you need more proof that Underwood is different, check this—On3 just handed him a perfect 100 rating, making him the highest-rated recruit in their history. Not just No. 1 in 2025. Not just the best QB in his class. But the best high school prospect they’ve ever evaluated. Let that sink in.

Michigan has never had a dude like this at QB, at least not in the modern era. The last time they had a generational talent at signal-caller, they were wearing leather helmets and running the single wing. Now, they’ve got a player who could change everything. The Wolverines ranked No. 131 out of 134 teams in passing offense last season. And yet, they still managed to beat both Ohio State and Alabama. Now, imagine adding the most elite high school QB in years to the mix. Bryce Underwood at Michigan could literally feed families in the coming years.

We don’t know if he’ll start in 2025. We don’t know how quickly he’ll adjust to the college game. But one thing’s for sure—Bryce Underwood is a problem, and Michigan just secured their next superstar. And if Adidas keeps showing more love than Harden? Man, we might just be looking at the next face of college football and a future sneaker icon.