Jordyn Adams Transitions to College Football at SMU

In a notable shift in focus for a professional athlete, Jordyn Adams, former outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, is making his debut in college football with the SMU Mustangs.

Adams, once ranked among the top wide receivers in the 2018 class alongside talents like Ja’Marr Chase, had initially committed to the University of North Carolina for both baseball and football. However, he was drafted 17th overall that same year by the Angels, lured by a substantial signing bonus.

With strong expectations following his decision to sign with North Carolina, Adams’ path took a different turn when he opted for the MLB route, which offered lucrative opportunities.

Since then, Adams had a career that saw him debut in the majors in 2023. He played 17 games that season, extended that with another 11 games in 2024, and then navigated various affiliations before wrapping up his baseball journey recently after his last minor league game. Overall, he accumulated 13 hits in the MLB and hit 55 home runs while in the minors, though his baseball career didn’t quite reach the heights many anticipated.

Now, in a revival of sorts and reminiscent of former players like Monte Harrison at the University of Arkansas, Adams is set to don the pads this fall at SMU. His signing allows him to focus on playing wide receiver, raising questions about whether he’ll replicate the notable success Harrison found after his own MLB career.

Adams clearly had aspirations of pursuing another sports career, which might have lingered in his mind since his initial college days.

Importantly, Adams remains compliant with NCAA regulations since he never officially attended college, meaning he hasn’t started the eligibility clock. However, with the NCAA considering a “5 in 5” rule that would begin a player’s eligibility once they graduate high school or reach 19 years of age, the timing of Adams’ SMU admission seems strategically important. This development suggests that he needed to secure his college enrollment without delay.

While he might be slightly older now, it remains to be seen if Jordyn Adams can make an impact on the football field like many expect. Time will tell.