Two-sport star Bryce Boettcher taking his chance at 2026 NFL Draft

Boettcher, a former two-sport walk-on at Oregon, is expected to be a mid-round pick after delaying his MLB career

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:06am by

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting that breaks down a football player's athletic movements and plays into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing a versatile two-sport athlete.Bryce Boettcher's versatility as a two-sport athlete at Oregon is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his dynamic movements on the field.Eugene Today

Bryce Boettcher, who was selected in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Houston Astros, has put his baseball career on hold to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. The Oregon linebacker and special teams standout is expected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout college football career.

Why it matters

In an era of sports specialization, Boettcher's decision to play both baseball and football at the college level is a rarity. His ability to excel in both sports and his commitment to football despite being drafted by an MLB team highlights his versatility and passion for the game.

The details

Boettcher was a two-sport star at Oregon, starring as both a linebacker and special teams ace on the football team and a center fielder on the baseball team. He was selected in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Astros but decided to delay the start of his minor league career to focus on football. Boettcher's football skills have continued to develop, and he is now expected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

  • Boettcher was selected in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Houston Astros.
  • In 2022, Boettcher walked onto the Oregon football team and developed a reputation as a hard-hitter.
  • In 2023, Boettcher played in Oregon's spring football game and later entered a baseball game as a defensive replacement.
  • By 2024, Boettcher was the NCAA's Gold Glove-winning center fielder who hit .276 with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, 46 runs scored and 15 stolen bases.
  • In 2024, Boettcher won the Burlsworth Trophy as the best FBS player who began his career as a walk-on, and he had 136 tackles (No. 6 in the nation) in 2025.

The players

Bryce Boettcher

A two-sport star at the University of Oregon, Boettcher was selected in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Houston Astros but has put his baseball career on hold to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.

Dan Lanning

The head football coach at the University of Oregon, who welcomed Boettcher onto the team as a walk-on in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“You can't hit anyone on the baseball field. I love baseball, but [football] makes me feel alive. And there's a reason I'm here.”

— Bryce Boettcher, Oregon Football Player

“He's smart, tough, instinctive and plays faster than he was timed. He should be a good special-teamer and compete to start — if not be a good third linebacker. He's done a good job making it known that he is focused on football.”

— NFL Executive

“Excellent athlete with hard-nose style to play, similar to Eric Byrnes. But the bat comes with risk to get to major leagues.”

— MLB Scout

What’s next

Boettcher is expected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will look to make an immediate impact on special teams and potentially earn a starting role as a linebacker.

The takeaway

Boettcher's decision to focus on football after being drafted by an MLB team demonstrates his passion for the sport and his belief that he can make it at the professional level. His versatility and well-rounded skill set make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to add depth and special teams contributors.