The projected overall first pick in the NFL draft, Cam Ward, is joining the Under Armour brand team, along with four other leading prospects, to carry forward Under Armour’s football legacy.

“Cam Ward, Luther Burden, III, Nick Emmanwori, Matthew Golden, and Tyler Booker are the latest additions to the UA Football roster, each one poised to make an impact in the 2025 NFL Draft and beyond,” the company said in a media release.

Under Armour said this next era of elite football talent is “key as the Under Armour brand doubles down on its commitment to shaping the future of the game.”

“Football is where Under Armour began. It’s in our DNA,” said Sean Eggert, SVP of Global Sports Marketing at Under Armour. “Signing this class of elite players is more than a milestone; it’s a statement of who we are and where we’re going. These athletes are pushing the game forward in every sense, and we’re all-in on helping them reach the next level with the best athlete and product innovation and a brand that believes in their rise.”

  • Cam Ward, QB, University of Miami, headlines the new class after a record-setting season that put him in the national spotlight. With 4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, Ward shattered school records and also earned recognition as a Heisman finalist and the winner of the Davey O’Brien and Manning Awards, as well as ACC Offensive Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, Consensus All-American with Miami, and the 2020 Jerry Rice Award with Incarnate Word. Projected as a Top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ward enters the league with high expectations. Ward is expected to go to the Tennessee Titans with the overall No. 1 pick on April 24.

“Joining Under Armour is more than just a sponsorship deal. It’s a partnership,” commented Ward. “I’m grateful to become part of the UA team. I grew up watching my favorite players wear Under Armour, rocking cleats and gloves that elevate their game. To be part of the brand’s new era feels very full circle, and I hope I can inspire the next generation of kids watching.”

Under Armour provided a rundown of the rest of its 2025 rookie class, to include:

  • Luther Burden, III, WR, University of Missouri, brings “power, precision and presence to the game.” As one of college football’s most versatile and dominant wide receivers, Burden led Missouri in receptions, yards and touchdowns this past season. His “sharp route-running, after-catch toughness and competitive fire make him a nightmare for opposing defenses — and a perfect fit for Under Armour’s bold playing style.”
  • Nick Emmanwori, S, University of South Carolina, joins UA after earning a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at the NFL Combine, a “testament to his elite athleticism.” Known for his range and physical style of play, Emmanwori “has been a consistent playmaker for the Gamecocks since his freshman year.” As a UA athlete, he now extends that relationship into his professional career.
  • Matthew Golden, WR, University of Texas, entered the spotlight with a Combine-best 40-yard dash among receivers. Known for his acceleration off the line and smooth route transitions, Golden led the Longhorns in receiving yards and was “instrumental in their playoff push.” His ability to stretch defenses and win in space “makes him a dangerous weapon at the next level.”
  • Tyler Booker, OL, University of Alabama, rounds out the elite class. A UA Next Future 50 alum, All-America Game veteran, and former team captain, Booker started nearly every game during his collegiate career and consistently graded one of the top linemen in the country. “With powerful hands, excellent footwork and a relentless mindset, he sets the tone for every offense he anchors.”

“For three decades, Under Armour has been at the forefront of football, from innovating performance gear to amplifying the profiles of the game’s most dynamic athletes,” the company said. “What began with a simple mission to make athletes better has evolved into a deep-rooted presence at every level of the sport, from youth leagues to the pros. The brand’s legacy includes decades of support for grassroots talent, iconic collegiate partnerships, and defining moments on the national stage.”

The company said the new UA signees represent the “next chapter in that legacy.”

“This class represents who we are at our core,” offered Guilian Gary, senior manager, Athlete Marketing at Under Armour. “Each one of these athletes has a unique story, an unmistakable edge, and a drive that mirrors what Under Armour stands for. Signing them isn’t just about performance; it’s about aligning with people who embody the next era of the game. This is a big step forward for our football vision, and we’re proud to stand beside them.”

Images courtesy Under Armour