Alabama Student Sydney Thomas Gains Fame After Viral Ring Girl Appearance

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Sydney Thomas, a 21-year-old University of Alabama student, rocketed to social media fame after appearing as a ring girl during the highly publicized Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight in November 2024. Her unexpected rise to stardom has since sparked intrigue, including a mysterious direct message from a prominent SEC football coach.

Thomas, who now boasts over 840,000 Instagram followers, became a viral sensation following her appearance at the fight held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Her poised demeanor during the event, particularly when Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul, drew widespread attention. “I had a job to do: not react,” Thomas said in a recent podcast interview, addressing speculation about the fight being staged.

Her newfound fame has brought unexpected interactions, including a direct message from an SEC football coach. “It was from another SEC football team coach. And they just DM’d me, ‘Roll Tide,’” Thomas revealed on the ‘Like A Farmer Podcast.’ She declined to name the coach but hinted at their allegiance to Alabama, sparking online debates about the coach’s identity. Fans have speculated it could be Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin or Auburn’s Hugh Freeze.

Thomas’s social media presence has grown exponentially since the fight. Reflecting on her whirlwind year, she penned a heartfelt Instagram post titled “A love letter to 2024,” expressing gratitude for the opportunities and connections she’s made. “A year of love, growth, discovery, and change,” she wrote. “Going into 2025 here is my little reminder to you—count your blessings and hold your people tight.”

As she looks ahead to 2025, Thomas plans to leverage her platform for positive impact. “Life is such a beautiful thing, and it’s most valuable parts are free,” she added, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and human connection.

Thomas’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of viral fame and the unique challenges that come with it. From handling unexpected DMs to navigating her newfound public persona, the Alabama student continues to captivate audiences both online and offline.