All eyes are on the Arizona Wildcats this year. Reason? Bryce James. There’s a buzzing anticipation among fans and analysts to see what LeBron’s younger son can accomplish at the collegiate level. Bryce is already turning heads at the start of his college career, and it’s not just for hooping. He is no longer a scrawny teen from Sierra Canyon anymore, and LeBron James was the first one to notice this change.

While the chatter around LeBron’s future with the Lakers remains relentless, the King is home, working on his conditioning in the off-season. And that’s when he got the surprise. As the 2025-26 NCAA season inches closer, Bryce dropped by home to spend some time with his family before the grind begins. The Surprise? Bryce was looking unrecognizable.

The 4x NBA champ announced Bryce’s return with a story on his IG. “My Twin home!!!! Ayyyyeeeeee [Bryce]” shouted LeBron as Bryce was welcomed by Indigo Sky, the famous family dog. LeBron wasn’t done yet. “That boy home from college feel a little big! That boy from college feel a little big!” Bron sang for half the video. And change is visible. His high school profile as of April listed him at 6’3″ and 190 lbs. Since joining Arizona, he’s taller (6’6″) and leaner (180 lbs) than before his college debut.

But that’s not what gets Bron in his feels. It’s Bryce’s new look. “Look at it! Y’all see his beard? Oh my goodness!” Sure, Bryce doesn’t have a full-developed beard like his dad, but his little start is giving 2004-05 Baby Bron vibes. And King James loves it.

LeBron James has a whole line of men’s grooming products with The Shop. Often, he shares his beard maintenance routine on his social media. Looks like it might be time for Bryce to pick up a few tips from Dad. Like he does for hooping.

LeBron James’ advice helped his son grow in college

Arizona ended the 2024-25 season in the Sweet Sixteen against Duke, who were led by Cooper Flagg. After that, the school finalized its nationally ranked recruiting class. And the star of the roster? Bryce James, who picked the Wildcats over USC and Ohio State.

Arizona HC Tommy Lloyd has a reputation for being one of the best skills developers at the college level. As the squad builds towards the season opening, Lloyd expressed pride in Bryce’s consistency and improvements. “He is all about development. So, just getting better in practice every single day, getting stronger in the weight room. So, for me, that’s what I’m looking forward to.” 

Lloyd also spoke of what a huge adjustment it usually is for teens to go to a college weight room. Just before he was celebrating Bryce’s homecoming, LeBron shared clips lifting weights in his home. Despite the proximity of his dad’s impressive home gym, Lloyd revealed Bryce had to adjust with a lot of hard work.

Bron also helped with this adjustment from a distance. Just before he came back home for a break, Bryce told local Arizona news about the advice his dad gave him: “Just working hard and coming in and doing what you do best.” The 18-year-old further said, “Making sure if you’re not having some good days, always have to stay positive. … miss a shot, maybe get a turnover or something, don’t hang your head down. Always keep your head up. Push through and stay positive.”

After making it to the Sweet Sixteen last year and a lineup of some of the best prospects in the country, Arizona is expected to make a deeper run in March Madness in 2026. It’s still not clear if Bryce is working his way into the starting lineup or how many minutes he’d earn in the rotation. Regardless of how he looks, though, LeBron James’ son is the biggest draw for the Wildcats.