In a surprising twist, former Los Angeles Angels first-round pick Jordyn Adams is making a comeback to college football—eight years after he first chose pro baseball. At 26, Adams has enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and will join the Mustangs football program this fall.
Honestly, it’s one of the more fascinating stories in recent sports memory. Adams’ athleticism and stubborn determination are back in the spotlight as SMU, led by head coach Rhett Lashlee, keeps climbing in the national football scene.
With their top two receivers off to the NFL, Adams suddenly has a real shot to make an impact.
Jordyn Adams’ Early Career: A Promising Start
Back in high school at Green Hope in North Carolina, Adams was a big deal—a five-star recruit and a top-100 national prospect. He’d actually committed to play both football and baseball at the University of North Carolina.
He picked the Tar Heels over heavyweights like Alabama and Clemson, joining a recruiting class that featured names like Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. That’s some serious company.
The MLB Draft Decision
Then, the Los Angeles Angels came calling, selecting Adams with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. He signed a pro contract worth a reported $3.5 million, skipping college altogether.
Back then, it seemed like the obvious choice. College athletes couldn’t earn money from their name, image, or likeness, so that paycheck was hard to turn down.
The Baseball Journey: Highs and Lows
Baseball didn’t quite go as planned for Adams. He was once a top-three prospect in the Angels system but struggled to lock down a regular spot in the majors.
He played in 38 big league games with the Angels and Orioles, hitting just .165 with one homer and five RBIs. Sure, he flashed athleticism and hit 55 home runs during his pro career, but he never really broke through.
The Financial Landscape of College Sports
Now, the NIL landscape in college sports is a whole different ballgame. For example, Oregon freshman receiver Dakorien Moore, the top receiver prospect for 2025, reportedly has an NIL valuation around $712,000.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is apparently making between $4 million and $5 million a year through NIL. That’s right up there with what Adams got from the Angels back in 2018.
A Second Chance: Joining SMU Football
So here we are—Adams is betting on the same athletic gifts that once made him a top football recruit. Since he never actually enrolled in college, he still has eligibility under NCAA rules.
Those rules should hold through the 2026-27 academic year, so Adams is clear to suit up for SMU. It’s a bold move, honestly, for both him and the Mustangs.
SMU’s Rising Program
Under Rhett Lashlee, SMU’s been on the rise—31 wins over the last three seasons. Adams is joining a program with real momentum.
With Jordan Hudson and Romello Brinson heading to the Dallas Cowboys, there’s an opening at receiver. Adams might just grab it.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, this won’t be easy. At 26, Adams will be older than most of the guys he’s playing with—and against.
But maybe his pro sports experience gives him an edge. There’s maturity, perspective, and a certain grit that comes with that journey.
Plus, with NIL, Adams could actually make some real money while chasing his football dream. It’s a wild ride, and honestly, who knows how it’ll turn out? But you can’t help rooting for him a little.
A Unique Comeback Story
Jordyn Adams is back in college football, and honestly, it’s not the kind of thing you see every day. His path is wild—once a top football recruit, then a pro baseball player, and now he’s circling back to football.
That kind of resilience? It’s hard not to admire. Adams is joining the SMU Mustangs, and you can bet people are curious to see if he can really pull this off.
Want the full scoop on how he landed at SMU and what led to his decision? Check out the article on the New York Post.
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