In a surprising turn of events, former top-ranked high school wide receiver Jordyn Adams is making a bold transition back to football. The 26-year-old athlete, who left the gridiron to pursue a career in Major League Baseball (MLB), has officially enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU) with the intention of playing college football, as reported by On3's Billy Embody.
From High School Stardom to a Professional Career
Adams's journey in sports began with a stellar high school career where he was recognized as one of the top wide receivers in the nation. In the 2018 recruiting class, he was ranked as a 4-star prospect and placed eighth among wide receivers according to the 247Sports composite rankings, placing him ahead of notable players like Ja'Marr Chase, who was ranked 15th.
His talent didn't go unnoticed, and Adams initially committed to play for the University of North Carolina (UNC). However, in a surprising decision, he opted to enter the MLB draft instead. The Los Angeles Angels selected him in the first round, opting for his potential on the diamond rather than the gridiron.
MLB Career and Recent Developments
Adams made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2023, showcasing his skills as an outfielder. Over two seasons, he participated in 78 games. Following his stint with the Angels, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles, but only had a brief appearance in 10 games during the 2025 season.
After a challenging time in the MLB, Adams signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in February 2026; however, his journey with the team came to an abrupt end when he was released by the Triple-A affiliate, Nashville, in May of the same year. With a career batting average of .165 and only 13 hits along with one home run across 38 MLB games, Adams faced significant challenges in his baseball career. His minor league statistics tell a slightly different story, with a slash line of .245/.327/.376 over 678 games in eight seasons, indicating he at least showcased flashes of talent at lower levels.
A New Chapter: Football at SMU
Despite a rocky history with professional baseball, Jordyn Adams is ready to pivot and revisit his football roots. By enrolling at SMU, he aims to fulfill the potential that once had college scouts buzzing during his high school years. The Mustangs have always been known for their competitive spirit and a strong aerial attack, making it an ideal environment for a talented wideout like Adams to re-establish himself in the sport.
Transitioning from baseball back to football won't be easy, but Adams has shown resilience in the face of challenges before. His athleticism and experience as a high-level athlete will serve him well as he trains with the Mustangs and learns the intricacies of football at the collegiate level.
The Future of Jordyn Adams
As Jordyn Adams embarks on this new venture at SMU, the sports community watches closely. Fans will be eager to see how his unique journey unfolds as he seeks to reclaim his status as a top-tier wide receiver on the collegiate stage. Adams's background in baseball may even provide him with an edge, as the skills he developed on the diamond, like hand-eye coordination and agility, could translate effectively to the gridiron.
With the eligibility to play immediately, Adams could become a key contributor for the Mustangs this season, offering a blend of experience and raw talent. If he can harness his athletic ability and fulfill the potential that once made him a sought-after recruit, he could potentially revive his career and perhaps even entertain future aspirations at the professional level in football.
In an age where athletes switch sports more frequently, Adams represents just the latest example of how dynamic talent can evolve and adapt. Whether it results in success on the college football field remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey back to football is filled with intrigue and potential.
