Sydney Thomas, a 21-year-old University of Alabama student, experienced a sudden surge in fame after her appearance as a ring girl at the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson exhibition boxing match in November 2024, which was streamed on Netflix. This newfound celebrity status brought with it a deluge of attention, including a flood of direct messages on social media. While appearing on the “Like A Farmer Podcast” in January 2025, Thomas teased the audience about the nature of some of these messages, hinting at the prominent figures who had reached out. She playfully declined to reveal specific names, maintaining an air of mystery around her newfound online interactions. However, she did divulge one intriguing detail: a Southeastern Conference (SEC) football coach, a fan of a rival team, had messaged her with the classic Alabama rallying cry, “Roll Tide.” This cryptic clue sparked speculation among fans and followers, eager to decipher the identity of the mystery coach.
Thomas’s viral moment stemmed from her appearance at the highly publicized Paul vs. Tyson fight. Her presence caught the attention of viewers, leading to a rapid increase in her social media following and widespread media coverage. Almost overnight, she found herself the subject of numerous articles and memes, solidifying her unexpected transition to internet fame. While the sudden influx of attention was overwhelming, Thomas expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the unique position she found herself in. This whirlwind experience marked a significant turning point in her life, transforming her from a college student into a recognizable public figure.
The “Like A Farmer Podcast” interview provided a platform for Thomas to discuss her experience navigating this newfound fame. While she remained tight-lipped about the identities of most celebrities who slid into her DMs, her revelation about the SEC coach’s message added to the intrigue. Her decision to withhold the coach’s name fueled further speculation and online discussions, turning the anecdote into a social media guessing game. Thomas cleverly used the attention to her advantage, further amplifying her online presence and engaging her growing fanbase.
Prior to her podcast appearance, Thomas had hinted at the high-profile attention she was receiving in an interview with Us Weekly shortly after the Paul vs. Tyson fight. She described her DMs as being “insanely flooded,” mentioning that she had been contacted by “pretty big names and brands.” However, she maintained her discretion, citing privacy concerns as the reason for not disclosing any specific names. Even then, her playful remarks about the “crazy” state of her DMs suggested the significant impact the fight had on her social media presence. This early indication of the attention she was receiving foreshadowed the later revelations on the podcast, building anticipation for further details about her celebrity interactions.
The morning after the fight, Thomas awoke to a dramatically altered reality. The surge in her social media followers and the numerous news articles featuring her confirmed the viral nature of her newfound fame. This sudden shift in her public profile was both overwhelming and exciting, marking a significant transition in her life. Thomas embraced this change, viewing it as a positive development and an opportunity to explore new avenues. This proactive approach to her newfound fame is evident in her subsequent career moves, demonstrating her intention to capitalize on the momentum generated by her viral moment.
In December 2024, just a month after the fight, Thomas signed with CAA Sports, a prominent talent agency representing a roster of renowned athletes across various sports. This strategic move underscored her commitment to leveraging her newfound visibility and pursuing opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry. By aligning herself with a respected agency, Thomas signaled her ambition to build a career beyond her initial viral fame. Her signing with CAA Sports represents a significant step in her journey from an anonymous college student to a public figure navigating the complexities of the entertainment world. This proactive approach positions her for long-term success, demonstrating her determination to transform a fleeting moment of internet fame into a sustainable career.
