Former MLB First-Round Pick Makes Surprising Transition to College Football

Some intriguing news hit both the MLB and college football landscapes on Monday night, as former first-round pick Bubba Thompson, known for his athleticism on the base paths and defensively, is reportedly going to test his skills in football at the collegiate level. Thompson will transition as a walk-on to the University of South Alabama.

Thompson was the 26th overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft by the Texas Rangers and most recently played for the Cincinnati Reds during the 2024 season, even making the opening day roster and seeing significant playing time.

However, in May, after struggling at the plate, which has been his biggest issue at the professional level, he was designated for assignment. He went unclaimed and remained with the Reds organization, being outrighted to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts.

Now, at 26 years old, Thompson is returning to a sport he once excelled in—football. He was a three-star prospect coming out of McGill-Toolen High School in Mobile, Alabama, where he was ranked as the No. 37 overall recruit in the state. He had offers from several prominent schools, including Ole Miss, UCF, and Memphis.