When you hear the name JD Drew, your brain probably goes straight to that smooth-swinging lefty who hammered 242 home runs in the Big Leagues. You're thinking of the Florida State legend, the guy who famously held out against the Phillies, and the man who eventually helped the Red Sox secure a World Series ring.
But if you’ve been scrolling through recent Mountain West box scores or checking transfer portal updates, you've likely noticed a "JD Drew" popping up in a completely different context.
Specifically, at Utah State.
Is it a comeback? A weird career pivot? Honestly, no. It’s a classic case of name confusion in the digital age. The JD Drew tied to Utah State isn't the retired MLB outfielder. He's a rising defensive star in the college football world who has been making a name for himself—literally and figuratively—in Logan, Utah.
The JD Drew Most Fans Are Searching For
Let’s clear the air. Jordan "JD" Drew is a cornerback. He doesn't play baseball. He’s a 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who recently wrapped up a significant stint with the Utah State Aggies.
Coming out of Booker T. Washington High School, he was a three-star recruit. He wasn't just some random addition to the roster, either. 247Sports ranked him as the 15th-best player in Oklahoma. He had wheels, too, clocking a 10.86 in the 100-meter dash during high school.
Basically, he's fast.
At Utah State, JD Drew became a fixture in the secondary. During the 2024 season, he appeared in all 12 games and started nine of them. You don't just "luck" into those kinds of reps in Division I football. He racked up 45 tackles and grabbed his first career interception against Hawai'i.
But then, the transfer portal happened.
Why JD Drew Left Utah State
College football in 2025 and 2026 is a wild west of movement. In December 2024, JD Drew entered the transfer portal, seeking a new home for the final stretch of his collegiate career.
He didn't stay on the market long.
By January 1, 2025, he committed to the University of Tulsa. For Drew, this was a homecoming. He’s now back in his hometown, playing for the Golden Hurricane as a redshirt junior. It’s a smart move. He brings 28 games of experience and 15 starts from his time at Utah State to a program that needs veteran leadership in the secondary.
Breaking Down the "Other" JD Drew Legacy
If you arrived here looking for the MLB veteran, you aren't alone. The SEO algorithms often get tangled because David Jonathan "J.D." Drew is one of the most statistically significant college athletes in history.
He played for Florida State, not Utah State.
At FSU, he was the first player in NCAA history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season. That 1997 season was legendary. He batted .455. Think about that for a second. He was nearly getting a hit every other time he stepped to the plate while maintaining enough power to lead the country in homers.
People still talk about his $7 million contract with the Cardinals and his refusal to sign with the Phillies after being the second overall pick. It was a polarizing start to a career that ended with him being one of the more respected, if quiet, professionals in the game.
Comparing the Two JDs
It’s actually kinda funny when you look at them side-by-side.
One JD Drew was a Georgia kid who became a Florida legend. The other is an Oklahoma kid who became a defensive staple in Utah before heading back home. One played on grass with a glove; the other plays on turf with pads.
The Utah State JD Drew (Jordan) is known for:
- Versatility: He played receiver and defensive back in high school.
- Academic Prowess: He earned Academic All-Mountain West honors in 2023.
- Speed: His track background makes him a nightmare for deep-threat receivers.
The MLB JD Drew is known for:
- The Swing: One of the most technically perfect swings in baseball history.
- The 2007 Postseason: His grand slam against the Indians in the ALCS is the stuff of Red Sox lore.
- Durability Issues: "JD Boo-Boo" was a nickname some fans gave him because of his frequent trips to the DL, though he still played 14 seasons.
Why JD Drew Still Matters at Utah State
Even though he's now at Tulsa, the impact JD Drew left on the Utah State program shouldn't be overlooked. The 2024 season was a tough one for the Aggies, but Drew was a bright spot.
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In a game against No. 20 Washington State, he showed he could play with the best, recording six tackles and forcing a fumble. He was part of a secondary that had to grow up fast under a lot of pressure.
His departure leaves a void in Logan. Coaches at Utah State are now tasked with finding that same level of consistency and speed in a secondary that is increasingly young. For fans, it’s a lesson in how quickly the roster can flip. One day a guy is your starting corner, the next he's playing back in Oklahoma.
How to Track JD Drew Moving Forward
If you want to keep tabs on the football JD Drew, you'll need to tune into Tulsa games. He's expected to be a high-impact starter for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
- Check the Tulsa Roster: He's officially listed as JD Drew, Cornerback, #3.
- Watch the Transfer Stats: Analysts are watching to see if his Mountain West success translates to the American Athletic Conference.
- Draft Boards: While he hasn't hit the massive NFL radar yet, a big year at Tulsa could put him in the conversation for a late-round flyer or a priority free-agent spot.
If you’re looking for the baseball JD Drew, he’s mostly enjoying retirement. He pops up at Florida State events from time to time, and his brothers, Stephen and Tim, also left their own marks on the game.
The takeaway? Names in sports are cyclical. Sometimes you get a "new" version of a legend that plays a completely different sport. Jordan Drew might not be hitting home runs, but at the rate he’s racking up tackles and pass breakups, he’s carving out a legacy that stands perfectly fine on its own.
Keep an eye on the box scores. Just make sure you're looking at the right stadium.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're following the Utah State defensive rebuild, look at the 2025 signing class to see who replaces Drew's production. For those following JD Drew at Tulsa, his first home game back in Oklahoma is the one to circle on your calendar.