Sydney Thomas, a 21-year-old University of Alabama student, catapulted to fame after her appearance as a ring girl at the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match in November.

Her Instagram following skyrocketed to over 843,000, marking her as a rising star in social media circles.

Thomas’s newfound popularity has led to increased opportunities in the modeling world. She has secured additional ring girl assignments and expressed aspirations to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed by high-profile figures, including those in the college football sphere.

During a podcast appearance, Thomas revealed an intriguing interaction with an SEC football coach. She disclosed that the coach, whom she did not name, sent her a direct message on social media simply stating “Roll Tide.” This cryptic message sparked widespread speculation among fans and media outlets.

Many have theorized that the coach in question might be Lane Kiffin, the current head coach at Ole Miss and former Alabama assistant. Kiffin, known for his active social media presence and sometimes controversial persona, fits the profile of someone who might engage in such communication. However, these claims remain unsubstantiated.

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The incident highlights the intersection of sports, social media, and celebrity culture. It demonstrates how quickly a person can rise to prominence in the digital age and the unexpected connections that can form as a result.

As Thomas continues to build her brand, she has shared reflections on her journey. She emphasized the importance of gratitude, personal growth, and cherishing relationships. Her message resonates with many of her followers, further solidifying her position as an influential figure on social media.

Thomas’s story serves as a contemporary example of how viral moments can lead to sustained public interest and potential career opportunities. It also raises questions about the boundaries between public figures and their social media interactions, particularly in the realm of college sports.

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Who Is Ring Girl Sydney Thomas? Rising Star in Boxing and MMA Events

Sydney Thomas, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, unexpectedly catapulted to social media stardom in late 2024. Her appearance as a ring girl during the high-profile boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, sparked widespread attention online.

Thomas’s rise to fame exemplifies the power of viral moments in today’s digital landscape. After the event, her social media presence exploded, with fans dubbing her the “real winner” of the global boxing spectacle. Despite being one of five ring girls at the event, Thomas stood out and quickly became the center of attention.

Beyond her newfound celebrity status, Thomas balances her studies with a budding modeling career. Her viral moment has opened doors to new opportunities, including increased interest from brands and potential sponsorships. As she approaches her 21st birthday on November 26, 2025, Thomas navigates the challenges and benefits of her unexpected fame.

Background and Rise to Fame

Sydney Thomas emerged as a breakout star in the boxing and entertainment world in late 2024. Her journey from aspiring model to viral sensation captivated audiences and sparked widespread interest in her background.

Early Life and Education

Sydney Thomas grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. She developed an interest in modeling and entrepreneurship from a young age. Thomas pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, where she studied Management and Entrepreneurship.

Her academic background provided a foundation for her future career aspirations. At university, Thomas honed her business acumen and developed skills that would later prove valuable in her professional pursuits.

Career Beginnings as a Ring Girl

Thomas began her career as a ring girl, working at various boxing events. This role allowed her to combine her passion for sports entertainment with her modeling ambitions.

She gained experience in the industry by appearing at local and regional boxing matches. Thomas’s striking looks and professional demeanor caught the attention of event organizers and fans alike.

Her dedication to the craft helped her build a reputation in the boxing community. Thomas gradually expanded her network and sought opportunities to work at higher-profile events.

Breakthrough with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Sydney Thomas’s big break came on November 15, 2024, at the highly anticipated Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match. The event, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was livestreamed on Netflix to millions of viewers worldwide.

Thomas’s appearances as a ring girl during the match garnered significant attention. Her brief but captivating moments on screen sparked a flurry of online conversations and social media activity.

Within 48 hours of the event, Thomas’s Instagram following skyrocketed to over 300,000. This sudden surge in popularity transformed her from a relatively unknown model to a viral sensation overnight.

The exposure from the Paul-Tyson fight opened new doors for Thomas in the entertainment industry. She began receiving offers for modeling gigs, endorsements, and appearances at high-profile events.

Impact and Presence on Social Media

Sydney Thomas rapidly rose to social media stardom following her appearance as a ring girl. Her newfound fame led to a significant increase in followers across multiple platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok.

Instagram Influence

Sydney’s Instagram presence skyrocketed after the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight. Her follower count surged past 500,000, a milestone she reached within weeks of the event. Thomas capitalized on this momentum by sharing behind-the-scenes content from the fight and her daily life.

Her posts featuring interactions with Jake Paul and Mike Tyson garnered substantial engagement. Sydney’s Instagram feed now showcases a mix of modeling shots, fitness content, and glimpses into her work as a ring girl.

Engagement on TikTok and Other Platforms

TikTok became another key platform for Sydney’s growing social media presence. She leveraged the app’s short-form video format to share quick clips from events and her personal life.

Sydney’s content on TikTok often includes:

• Boxing event highlights
• Fitness routines
• Fashion and lifestyle snippets

Her videos frequently go viral, contributing to her expanding follower base across platforms. Sydney’s management team has worked to secure brand partnerships and sponsorships, further boosting her online visibility.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.