A former Braden River High School football player is taking his talents from the gridiron to national television. Jimiah Albritton, known professionally as Jimmy Cakez, is set to appear on FOX’s Next Level Baker, showcasing the baking skills he developed without formal culinary training.
Albritton, a 2015 Braden River High School graduate, grew up in Manatee County and attended Gullett and Samoset elementary schools, along with Haile and Harllee middle schools. He played football for the Braden River Pirates before continuing his athletic career at Southeastern University with the SEU Fire.
After pursuing healthcare training at Manatee Technical College, Albritton began working at a local orthopedic clinic. However, a growing interest in baking eventually developed into a successful business and an opportunity to compete on national television.
His baking journey began in 2022 with a sweet potato cheesecake pie. Using recipes and techniques learned through social media, Albritton taught himself to bake and decorate desserts. By Thanksgiving that year, he had received 80 orders. His business continued growing through the holidays, and by 2023, he had expanded into elaborate tiered cakes.
Today, Albritton balances his healthcare career with at least 40 hours a week in the kitchen, creating custom cakes for weddings, birthdays, graduations, baby announcements and other celebrations. His intricate designs and entertaining videos have attracted approximately 93,000 social media followers.
Albritton credits his family’s support and his role as a father as important sources of motivation. His passion for creating memorable experiences through baking has helped turn a personal hobby into a growing business.
His online success also attracted the attention of FOX casting directors, who invited him to participate in the network’s baking competition. The show brings together bakers with varying levels of experience to compete in culinary challenges.
Albritton is scheduled to appear in the second season of Next Level Baker, premiering Thursday, November 19, at 9 p.m. Eastern on FOX.
His upcoming television appearance marks another milestone for the Manatee County graduate, whose journey from high school athletics to self-taught baker has gained national attention.
