HBCU Baseball Stars Drafted In 2025 MLB Draft

The 2025 MLB Draft marked a significant milestone for HBCU baseball, as five exceptional players from Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) programs were selected last night.

It serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication and the realization of their dreams of becoming professional athletes.

Kyle Walker (Grambling State), Broedy Poppell (Florida A&M University), Juan Cruz (Alabama State), Kameron Douglas (Alabama State), and Cardell Thibodeaux Jr (Southern) underscore the depth of talent present at HBCUs, as was evident in the 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic.

That event provided clubs with an opportunity to expose and evaluate HBCU student-athletes before the draft. Kudos to Ken Griffey Jr.!

These young men exemplify the rising talent from HBCU baseball programs, which have a rich history of producing top-tier athletes and fostering a strong sense of community and pride.

HBCU MLB 2025 Draftees

Kyle Walker — Grambling State University/Arizona State University

Drafted By: Houston Astros
Round: 8th
Pick: 246
Position: Infielder

Broedy Poppell — Florida A&M University

Drafted By: San Francisco Giants
Round: 13th
Pick: 386
Position: Catcher
Poppell’s stellar season with the Rattlers of Florida A&M was rewarded with a Day 2 selection, highlighting the Giants’ belief in his continued development at the professional level.

Cardell Thibodeaux Jr. — Southern University

Drafted By: San Diego Padres
Round: 16th
Pick: 490
Position: Outfielder
Thibodeaux impressed with his speed and defensive prowess, earning him a coveted spot in the Padres’ organization as their newest outfield prospect.

Juan Cruz — Alabama State University

Drafted By: Washington Nationals
Round: 20th
Pick: 591
Position: First Baseman
A key contributor for the Hornets, Cruz was known for his power at the plate and leadership at first base, rounding out his college career with a selection to the big leagues.

Kameron Douglas — Alabama State University

Drafted By: Detroit Tigers
Round: 20th
Pick: 609
Position: Outfielder
Douglas starred for the Alabama State Hornets and caught the attention of MLB scouts with his athleticism and performance on the field. Also, a solid performance at the 2025 Swingman Classic with the game's first homerun to centerfield helped his candidacy.

As MLB organizations continue to scout and invest in HBCU athletics, the future appears promising for the next generation of student-athletes eager to leave their mark on the professional baseball diamond.

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Published Jul 15, 2025 | Modified Jul 15, 2025

KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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