Bryce Underwood reveals message to LeBron James after Michigan commitment: 'It's over for Ohio State'

While attending a Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers game last week, Bryce Underwood saw one of his favorite athletes in LeBron James. Afterward, the Michigan QB got to meet the future Hall of Famer – and he had a strong message about James’ Ohio State fandom.

Underwood attended the game to see James Harden, who’s become a close friend. While there, Underwood told Harden he wanted to meet James, whose jerseys he had while growing up in Detroit.

After the game, Underwood waited for James to come out of the locker room and ultimately met him, as well as his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports and others. When they started talking, the former Five Star Plus+ recruit didn’t waste any time letting James know about the famous rivalry.

Last week, Bryce Underwood met LeBron James. During the interaction, Underwood told James, an avid Ohio State fan:

“It’s over for Ohio State.”

He tells the story on the @RichEisenShow pic.twitter.com/DvCgTUJNvz

— Brock Heilig (@brockheilig) March 12, 2025

“We started talking and I said before this all started, just had to let you know, I’m going to Michigan,” Underwood recalled on The Rich Eisen Show. “He was like, ‘Oh, yeah?’ Yeah, it’s over for Ohio State.”

The comment caught Eisen by surprise, thinking James said that to Underwood. As it turns out, the newest Wolverine said it, showcasing the confidence he’s bringing to Ann Arbor next season. Of course, he also knew his audience.

“He was like, ‘You know, Ohio State is home?'” Underwood said of James’ response. “I’m like, yeah.”

Underwood was the crown jewel of Michigan’s recruiting class this cycle after a high-profile flip from LSU, with a lucrative NIL deal at the center of the discussion about his decision. The Belleville (Mich.) product was the No. 1 overall player from the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also became the first player to ever receive a 100 rating from On3.

The recruiting ratings are just part of what makes Bryce Underwood stand out, though. During a December appearance with Andy & Ari On3, Sherrone Moore had lofty praise for his incoming freshman quarterback.

“He’s as good as any high school quarterback I’ve seen play football,” Moore said. “From a throwing aspect? Throwing out of the pocket, dropping back. He hasn’t done much under center but wants to and can. From a running aspect? He can run it. He can do everything you want. He’s super smart. He’s super intuitive. He’s got great touch. He’s got great, you know, arm strength and everything you want.”