​Three former Jacksonville State Gamecocks heard their names called on the second day of the 2026 MLB Draft, which unfolded on Sunday. Left-handed pitcher Beau Bryans was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the seventh round with the 208th overall pick. Bryans spent a single season at Jax State, where he posted a 7-1 record and a 3.66 ERA across 15 starts. He piled up 78 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings, signaling his potential as a strikeout pitcher with a solid junior year in the Gamecocks rotation.
Shortstop Caleb Johnson followed in the draft, going to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 13th round with the 403rd overall selection. Johnson, a switch-hitter, delivered the best season of his college career during his final year at Jacksonville State. He batted .309 with 10 home runs, 21 doubles, and two triples, contributing significantly to the offense as a senior. Johnson also reached base frequently and displayed speed on the bases, scoring 59 runs, driving in 55, and swiping 23 stolen bases, underscoring his value as a versatile middle-infielder with both gap power and baserunning impact.
Brady Thomas landed with the Houston Astros in the 14th round as the 421st overall pick. While MLB.com listed Thomas primarily as a pitcher, he also saw time at first base for the Gamecocks, illustrating his two-way potential. On the mound this past season, Thomas worked 14 1/3 innings, posting a 2-0 record with a 7.53 ERA and 18 strikeouts. At the plate, he made a notable offensive contribution as well, hitting .329 with 11 home runs, 13 doubles, and four triples. He crossed the plate 46 times and drove in 43 runs, making him a valuable blend of pitching depth and offensive versatility for Jacksonville State.
Together, Bryans, Johnson, and Thomas marked a successful draft day for Jacksonville State, highlighting the program’s ability to develop players who can contribute at multiple positions and in different roles at the professional level. The selections reflect the Gamecocks’ capacity to cultivate pitching depth, infield versatility, and offensive power, all of which align with the evolving demands of modern MLB rosters. Their journeys to the majors underscore the program’s continued relevance in developing talent capable of competing at the highest level, while also giving Gamecock fans momentum as these young players pursue professional careers.
This trio’s draft results also emphasize the value of positional flexibility and multi-dimensional skill sets in today’s game. Bryans’ left-handed pitching profile, combined with his strikeout efficiency, provides the Giants with a potential bullpen or rotation option. Johnson’s switch-hitting prowess and smooth defense make him a compelling middle-infield prospect who can impact both scoring opportunities and defense. Thomas’ rarity as a two-way contributor offers the Astros a versatile asset who can contribute on the mound and contribute offensively when in the lineup, especially in deeper formats where teams seek players who can fill multiple roles.
As the 2026 MLB Draft concludes, the impact of these selections will unfold over the coming seasons. For Jacksonville State, the draft results reinforce the program’s growing reputation for developing players who can adapt to various roles and excel in diverse aspects of the game. The experiences gained by Bryans, Johnson, and Thomas during their time in River City will serve as a strong foundation as they advance through professional baseball, pursuing opportunities to contribute at high levels and to represent Jacksonville State with distinction on a national stage. Their progress will be followed closely by Gamecocks supporters who view the draft as a testament to the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence and player development.