After two seasons anchoring Tennessee’s secondary, Jalen McMurray is taking the next step in his football journey. The redshirt senior defensive back officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Wednesday morning, making the announcement via his X account just one day after gutting through injury to suit up for the Vols in their Music City Bowl matchup against Illinois.
McMurray’s decision caps off a collegiate career that showcased both his resilience and growth-on and off the field. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel didn’t hold back in praising the veteran DB after the bowl game, highlighting not just McMurray’s play, but the character behind it.
“Jalen, I’m so proud of how he’s grown since he got here,” Heupel said. “He got dinged up in December, and it was really questionable whether he’d even be able to go.
But he did everything in his power to get back. Yesterday, we weren’t sure he’d play-but he said, ‘Let me warm up and figure it out.’
That says everything you want in a player. He’s a great teammate, a great football player, and he just loves the game.”
That love for the game showed all season. In 2025, McMurray tallied 56 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and five pass breakups.
He was the Vols’ go-to guy at the STAR position, stepping up as the primary option after Boo Carter left the program midway through the year. It was a role that demanded versatility, physicality, and leadership-and McMurray delivered.
His first season in Knoxville saw him contribute as a rotational cornerback behind Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III. Even in a supporting role, he made his presence felt with 14 tackles and four pass deflections on a defense that helped power Tennessee into the College Football Playoff.
McMurray’s path to this point wasn’t linear. He began his college career at Temple University before transferring to Tennessee, where he made the most of his final two seasons. In his draft declaration, McMurray reflected on that journey with gratitude and perspective.
“First and foremost, all glory to God,” he wrote. “I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by His blessings.
Thank you to all the Tennessee coaches, staff, and my brothers for the standard, the work, and the bond we built together. Vol Nation, thank you for the unmatched support at home and on the road.
From the moment I arrived, you made Knoxville feel like home.”
He also gave a nod to Temple for starting his college journey and thanked his family for their unwavering support. Now, with his college chapter closed, McMurray turns his focus to the NFL Draft.
There’s still a long road between now and draft weekend, but McMurray’s combination of production, toughness, and leadership will no doubt catch the attention of NFL evaluators. He’s not just a player who filled a role-he’s one who earned the trust of his coaches, the respect of his teammates, and the admiration of a fanbase.
And if his final college game is any indication, he’s willing to push through just about anything to be on the field. That’s the kind of mentality that translates to the next level.