Paramount+ is taking fans behind the scenes of college football’s next generation with the new docuseries 5 Star. The eight episode series follows four elite freshmen as they navigate the transition from high school phenoms to emerging college stars. Among them is Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, whose combination of on field ability, digital influence, and brand presence has made him one of the most marketable athletes in the nation.

Underwood joins Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore, Ohio State cornerback Devin Sanchez, and Penn State offensive lineman Malachi Goodman as the focal points of a show designed to capture the modern student athlete experience. From the pressure of expectations to the excitement of opportunity, 5 Star offers an authentic look at what it means to be a freshman football player in today’s NIL era.

Bryce Underwood Leads the Spotlight

As the nation’s most marketable quarterback, Bryce Underwood represents the perfect blend of talent and influence. According to the Out2Win Athlete Intelligence Platform, Underwood holds an Out2Win Score of 92, placing him among the top five most marketable players in all of college football. He has built a total following of more than 321,000 fans across social platforms and maintains an impressive 9.77% engagement rate on Instagram.

Beyond his play on the field, Underwood has become a rising figure in athlete brand partnerships. He has already signed deals with Hollister and Celsius this season, strengthening his connection to lifestyle and performance brands that align with his personality and reach.

A Modern Look at College Football

Paramount+ developed 5 Star to go beyond highlights and stats, showing what life is really like for elite recruits adjusting to national attention, new teammates, and NIL opportunities. The series gives fans access to everything from film study sessions to the weight room and captures how these athletes balance personal growth with the demands of their sport.

For Underwood, the story is about more than football. It is a glimpse into the mindset of a player learning to lead one of the biggest programs in college sports while managing expectations and newfound fame. His calm confidence and natural leadership have already made him a key figure for Michigan as they chase another Big Ten title.

Why These Athletes Were Chosen

Each featured player brings something different to the screen. Dakorien Moore, Oregon’s explosive wideout, boasts an Out2Win Score of 85 with over 313,000 followers and nearly a 10% engagement rate. Chris Sanchez, Ohio State’s standout defensive back, brings an Out2Win Score of 70 and a partnership portfolio that includes Dollar Shave Club. Penn State’s Malachi Goodman adds depth to the cast as a lineman whose grit and character embody the heart of college football.

Together, they represent the evolution of the sport, young athletes who compete at the highest level while navigating the new world of NIL partnerships and digital identity.

The Future of College Football Storytelling

Paramount+ is positioning 5 Star as more than a sports series. It is a cultural project that documents how the next wave of college football players is shaping the game through talent, personality, and brand building. The partnership between these athletes and Paramount+ reflects how media companies are embracing athlete storytelling as part of their marketing and audience engagement strategy.

Bryce Underwood’s inclusion underscores his influence not just as a player, but as a face of modern college athletics. His growing portfolio of NIL partnerships and his expanding digital reach show that today’s stars are as valuable for their authenticity and connection as they are for their playmaking ability.