A former top-100 football recruit in the Class of 2018, Jordyn Adams instead signed a $4.1 million contract after the Los Angeles Angels drafted him. John McCoy / GettyJune 2, 2026 2:53 pm EDT Updated Former Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jordyn Adams intends to give football another shot. The 26-year-old ex-MLB first-round pick plans to play this fall for SMU, The Athletic confirmed Tuesday with a program source, though Adams has not yet officially signed with the Mustangs. On3 first reported Adams’ plans Tuesday.Adams, a former top-100 football recruit at Green Hope High School in Cary, N.C., committed to play wide receiver for Larry Fedora at North Carolina his senior year of high school.Adams signed a national letter of intent in December 2017, choosing the Tar Heels over Alabama and Clemson, among others. He was in the same recruiting class with NFL stars Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle and Ja’Marr Chase.
But when the Angels selected him with the 17th pick in the 2018 MLB draft, Adams signed a $4.1 million contract, forgoing his commitment to play both football and baseball for the Tar Heels.He spent four seasons in the Angels farm system before making his major league debut in 2023. He appeared in 38 big-league games but spent the majority of his career in the minors before the Brewers released him from their Triple A squad on May 25.Whether Adams gets to play college football depends on potential changes in eligibility rules. In late April, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors directed its cabinet to advance the age-based “Five-for-Five” model that would give athletes five years to compete beginning immediately after high school graduation or their 19th birthday – whichever comes first. But existing eligibility rules are expected to be applied for athletes enrolling in the 2026-2027 school year.Adams isn’t the first athlete to leave pro baseball to quit and try and play college football. Former Marlins outfielder Monte Harrison, 30, joined Arkansas in 2024 after spending nine seasons in pro baseball.— Chris Vannini contributed reporting.Jun 2, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
