By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Tech baseball has produced another first-round talent, as Yellow Jackets superstar outfielder Drew Burress was selected by the Oakland Athletics with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

The selection marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in Georgia Tech baseball history. After arriving on The Flats as one of the nation’s top high school prospects, Burress quickly established himself as an elite college baseball player and became the centerpiece of the Yellow Jackets’ lineup.

Now, the Georgia native will take his combination of power, speed, defense, competitiveness, and leadership to the Athletics organization.

A Georgia Star Who Became a Georgia Tech Legend

A native of Houston County, Georgia, Burress entered college with enormous expectations, and immediately exceeded them.

From the moment he stepped onto the field at Russ Chandler Stadium, Burress displayed the rare ability to impact every phase of the game. Despite standing approximately 5-foot-9, he consistently generated elite power while combining it with outstanding bat speed, plate discipline, athleticism, and defensive instincts.

Burress emerged as one of college baseball’s most productive players during his freshman season, becoming the first player in Georgia Tech history to earn national freshman player of the year honors. He quickly developed into one of the most feared hitters in the Atlantic Coast Conference and established himself as a future first-round selection.

Over three seasons on The Flats, Burress became known for delivering home runs, extra-base hits, stolen bases, highlight-reel catches, and clutch performances. His ability to change a game with one swing—or one defensive play—made him one of the most exciting players in college baseball.

A Perfect Fit for the Athletics

With the No. 8 overall selection, the Athletics are adding a proven winner and one of the most complete offensive players in the 2026 draft class.

Burress brings an impressive combination of tools to the organization:

• Elite bat speed and advanced hitting ability
• Power to all areas of the field
• Excellent strike-zone awareness
• Speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths
• Outstanding instincts in center field
• Strong leadership and a relentless competitive mindset

Although some evaluators questioned his size, Burress repeatedly answered those questions with his performance. His production against elite competition demonstrated that talent, preparation, and competitiveness matter far more than measurements.

Burress does not simply play bigger than his size—he plays like one of the biggest stars on the field.

Another Historic Moment for Georgia Tech Baseball

Burress’ selection continues Georgia Tech’s proud tradition of developing elite professional talent.

From Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Varitek to Mark Teixeira, Matt Wieters, Charlie Blackmon, Joey Bart and countless others, the Yellow Jackets have long served as a pathway to Major League Baseball. Burress now adds his name to that prestigious legacy as one of the highest draft selections in program history.

His success is also another major accomplishment for Georgia Tech head coach Danny Hall and the Yellow Jackets baseball program. Burress arrived in Atlanta as an elite prospect, developed into one of the country’s premier players, and leaves The Flats as a top-10 MLB Draft selection.

From The Flats to The Town

Burress will exchange Georgia Tech’s Old Gold and White for the green and gold of the Athletics, but his impact on the Yellow Jackets program will remain for years to come.

He represented Georgia Tech with energy, confidence, toughness, and an unmistakable passion for the game. Every home run, diving catch, stolen base, and celebration helped create a career that Yellow Jackets fans will remember long after his final game at Russ Chandler Stadium.

From Houston County to The Flats, and now from The Flats to The Town; the journey continues. Go Jackets! 🐝⚾