KJ White’s stellar senior season at Southern earned him a chance with an MLB team.
The Southern baseball star signed with the Athletics as an undrafted free agent, the on Thursday.
"I'm extremely proud of KJ and everything he accomplished during his time at Southern University," said Southern coach Chris Crenshaw in a statement. "He came to work every day with a professional mindset and earned this opportunity through his dedication, consistency and commitment to becoming the best player he could be."
This is the second straight year a Southern player earned an opportunity with an MLB team. Last season, outfielder Cardell Thibodeaux was picked by the San Diego Padres with the 490th pick in the 16th round at the 2025 MLB Draft.
Before joining the Athletics, White collected multiple accolades in his final collegiate season. The 5-foot-10 infielder was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Hitter of the Year and first-team All-SWAC after having the third-best batting average in the country (.421).
White made the Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Baseball second team and was one of 48 semifinalists for the Dick Howser Award, which is given to the country’s top college baseball player. He also played in the 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic, which showcases 38 of the top HBCU players during MLB All-Star Week.
The Ellenwood, Georgia native had 81 hits, eight doubles, one home run, 33 RBIs, 46 runs scored, a .486 on-base percentage and a .682 slugging percentage.
White was a significant contributor in Southern’s season as it finished 29-23 overall and second in the SWAC with a 20-7 mark. The Jaguars’ 29 wins were the most under Crenshaw and the most by the program since 2019.
Thibodeaux, Southern’s most recent drafted player, currently plays for the Florida Complex League Braves, the rookie-level team for the Atlanta Braves.