Football

From Baseball Draft Pick to College Football Prospect: Jordyn Adams’ Unusual Transition

Former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jordyn Adams is set to join SMU Mustangs football, navigating NCAA eligibility amid a career that spanned multiple MLB organizations.

A New Chapter in Dallas

Jordyn Adams first entered professional baseball as the 17th overall selection in the 2018 MLB draft, a moment that marked the beginning of a six‑year journey through the Angels’ system.

After signing a $3 million contract, he made his MLB debut in August 2023, appearing in 28 games for the Angels and later adding brief stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the Milwaukee Brewers, where he compiled a modest .174 average with five hits in 74 at‑bats.

Despite limited major‑league impact, Adams remained attached to the sport, moving through the Triple‑A affiliate of the Nashville Sounds before being released in May 2025, a transition that set the stage for his next athletic chapter.

Now enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Adams is preparing to join the Mustangs’ football program, bringing a five‑star high school pedigree that once placed him behind only Amon‑Ra St. Brown and Ja’Marr Chase among wide‑receiver prospects.

His recruitment class ranking reflects a rare combination of size, speed, and route‑running ability, qualities that attracted attention from college programs nationwide before he ultimately chose SMU.

The NCAA has indicated that his prior professional baseball experience does not automatically disqualify him from collegiate eligibility, though recent rule adjustments could affect his status for the upcoming season.

Coaches at SMU have praised his work ethic and adaptability, noting that his background in baseball may translate into valuable discipline and hand‑eye coordination on the gridiron.

If the eligibility hurdles are cleared, Adams could become one of the most intriguing two‑sport athletes in recent college history, drawing attention from both scouts and fans eager to see how his athletic versatility unfolds.

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