Jordyn Adams, a former first-round MLB Draft pick and five-star football recruit, has signed with Southern Methodist University to play college football at age 26 [1, 2, 3]. Adams, who was ranked the No. 3 wide receiver and No. 14 overall high school prospect in 2018, will join the SMU Mustangs football program as a wide receiver [1, 2, 3].
Adams initially signed with the University of North Carolina to play both football and baseball but chose to pursue professional baseball after being selected 17th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2018 MLB Draft. He signed a contract worth over $3 million and never enrolled in college, preserving his NCAA eligibility [1, 2, 3].
His professional baseball career spanned from 2018 until May 20, 2026. Adams appeared in 38 Major League Baseball games, recording 13 hits, 6 runs, 1 home run, and 5 RBIs, along with extensive time in the minor leagues totaling 678 games played [1, 2, 3]. He ended his baseball career after a brief stint within the Milwaukee Brewers organization, with his last game played for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds on May 20, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The NCAA is currently reviewing a proposed "five-for-five" rule, which would limit athletes to five years of competition starting immediately after high school or their 19th birthday. This rule could affect athletes like Adams who start college athletics later [1, 2, 3].
Adams' signing with SMU marks his first competitive college football season. He joined the Mustangs football program about two weeks ago from August 23 [1, 2, 3].
