5 Surprising Facts About Drake Gaines Today: Chip And Joanna's Eldest Son Is All Grown Up

As of December 2025, Drake Gaines, the eldest son of HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, is charting his own path as a full-time college student and a dedicated student-athlete in Texas. The Fixer Upper alum, who turned 20 this year, has officially flown the nest, a milestone his mother, Joanna Gaines, has openly discussed as a bittersweet adjustment for the famous family. His life today is a world away from the Magnolia Silos, focusing instead on his studies and his passion for baseball at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB).

The transition to college life marks a significant new chapter for Drake, who grew up largely shielded from the intense spotlight of his parents' reality television fame. He is currently a junior at UMHB, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the demands of being a college athlete, all while pursuing a degree that echoes his parents' entrepreneurial spirit.

Drake Gaines: Full Biography & Profile

Drake Gaines is the firstborn of the famous home renovation and design duo, Chip and Joanna Gaines. His life and growth have been a quiet subplot to the massive success of the Magnolia empire, though he has always maintained a relatively private life.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Drake Gaines
• Date of Birth: February 5, 2005
• Age (as of December 2025): 20 years old
• Place of Birth: Waco, Texas, United States
• Parents: Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines
• Siblings: Ella Rose, Duke, Emmie Kay, and Crew Gaines
• High School: Valor Preparatory Academy (Waco, TX)
• College: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB)
• College Major: Business Entrepreneurship
• College Sport: Baseball (Outfielder/Relief Pitcher)
• Fun Fact: He was named after the historic Drake Hotel in New York City, where his parents, Chip and Joanna, spent their honeymoon.

The College Life: Balancing Academics and Athletics

Drake’s current focus is firmly rooted in Belton, Texas, where the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) campus is located, a short drive from his family’s home in Waco. His choice of major—Business Entrepreneurship—is perhaps the least surprising aspect of his new life, directly aligning him with the foundation of his parents' own success with Magnolia.

The BBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business program at UMHB is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for leadership and faith-informed discernment, preparing them to launch their own ventures. This academic path suggests Drake is keen to build his own legacy, leveraging the lessons learned from observing the creation of the Magnolia Network and Magnolia Market.

Beyond the classroom, Drake is a dedicated student-athlete on the UMHB Crusaders baseball team. He plays as an outfielder and has also made appearances as a relief pitcher, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the sport.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

His baseball career began long before college, as he played four years of varsity baseball during his time at Valor Preparatory Academy. Transitioning to college-level athletics requires significant discipline, a trait that is clearly evident in the young Gaines. His commitment to the team and his studies is a testament to the strong values instilled by his parents.

Stepping Out of the 'Fixer Upper' Shadow: A Future Entrepreneur

While the Gaines family is synonymous with home renovation and design, Drake is actively cultivating his own distinct interests. His passion for baseball is well-documented, but a lesser-known interest is his dedication to cooking, specifically preparing protein-focused meals. This hobby aligns with his athletic lifestyle and shows a practical, hands-on approach to his personal well-being.

His departure for college was an emotional moment for the entire family, particularly for Joanna Gaines, who shared her feelings about losing her "friend" and watching her eldest child venture into the world. This public acknowledgment highlights the close-knit nature of the Gaines household, despite their very public careers.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Drake’s four younger siblings—Ella Rose, Duke, Emmie Kay, and the youngest, Crew Gaines—are all growing up under the same roof, but Drake’s journey sets a precedent for the next generation of the family. He is the first to navigate the complexities of college life and the pressures of being a student-athlete while carrying the Gaines name.

His pursuit of a degree in Business Entrepreneurship suggests a future where he might combine his natural affinity for business with his own unique interests, potentially branching out from the design and real estate world that made his parents famous. Whether he chooses to launch a start-up in the sports nutrition space, a business related to his love for cooking, or something entirely new, his academic foundation is a strong start. The world is watching to see how this eldest Gaines child will use his drive and entrepreneurial DNA to build his own empire outside of the famous Magnolia brand.

In conclusion, Drake Gaines today is not the little boy seen in the early seasons of Fixer Upper. He is a young man defining his own identity as a college junior, a UMHB Crusader, and a budding entrepreneur. His current path is a clear, independent step toward a future where he can blend his passions for sports and business, ensuring that the Gaines family legacy of hard work and innovation continues, albeit on a different field.