Jalen Hurts stands tall as one of the most inspiring figures in college football history. His journey through the gridiron showcases a blend of raw talent, unshakable resilience, and an unwavering drive to succeed. From his early days at Alabama to his transformative season at Oklahoma, Hurts carved a legacy that still echoes in 2025. This article dives deep into his college career, spotlighting the latest updates, key moments, and stats that define his path. Buckle up for a thrilling ride through the chapters of a quarterback who turned setbacks into stepping stones.
The Early Days: A Star Rises in Houston
Jalen Alexander Hurts entered the world on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas. Football flowed through his veins from the start, thanks to his father, Averion Hurts Sr., who coached at Channelview High School. Growing up, Jalen watched his older brother, Averion Jr., sling passes on the field, igniting his own passion for the game. He didn’t just dream of playing—he lived it, starting as a wide receiver before shifting to quarterback in middle school.
At Channelview High, Jalen blossomed into a standout athlete under his father’s guidance. He racked up jaw-dropping numbers as a senior, throwing for 2,384 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 1,391 yards and 25 scores. Recruiters took notice, labeling him a four-star prospect and the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback in the 2016 class. Colleges like Mississippi State and Texas A&M vied for his talents, but Jalen chose the University of Alabama. That decision kicked off a college career that would captivate fans and rewrite record books.
Freshman Fire: Taking Alabama by Storm
Jalen Hurts arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2016 as an early enrollee, eager to make his mark. Alabama coach Nick Saban saw something special in the freshman and handed him the starting quarterback role in just the second game of the season. Facing Western Kentucky, Hurts exploded onto the scene, tossing two touchdowns and piling up 287 passing yards—a school record for a debut start. Fans roared as the “Jalen Hurts era” began, signaling the rise of a new Crimson Tide leader.
Throughout his freshman year, Hurts guided Alabama to a dazzling 14-1 record. He threw for 2,780 yards and 23 touchdowns, adding 954 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground. His dual-threat style electrified stadiums, earning him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Alabama stormed into the College Football Playoff National Championship, facing Clemson. Despite a valiant effort—throwing for 131 yards and rushing for 63—Hurts and the Tide fell 35-31 in a heartbreaker. Still, his debut season cemented him as a force to be reckoned with.
Sophomore Setback: A Test of Character
The 2017 season brought new challenges for Jalen Hurts. He returned as Alabama’s starting quarterback, determined to reclaim glory. The Tide rolled to an 11-1 regular-season record, with Hurts throwing for 2,081 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 855 yards and eight scores. His highlight came against Mississippi State, where he connected with DeVonta Smith for a game-winning touchdown with just 25 seconds left, securing a 31-24 victory. That clutch performance showcased his grit and poise under pressure.
However, the National Championship game against Georgia tested Hurts in ways he never imagined. Alabama trailed 13-0 at halftime, and Saban made a bold move, benching Hurts for freshman Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa sparked a comeback, leading the Tide to a 26-23 overtime win. Hurts watched from the sidelines as his team hoisted the trophy, a moment that stung deeply. Yet, he didn’t sulk or quit. Instead, he stayed with Alabama, proving his loyalty and setting the stage for redemption.
Junior Resilience: Stepping Up When It Mattered
In 2018, Hurts embraced a new role as Tagovailoa’s backup. Critics wondered if he’d transfer, but he chose to stay, supporting his teammate and honing his skills. Alabama cruised through the season, and Hurts saw limited action—until destiny called in the SEC Championship game. With Tagovailoa injured and Georgia leading 28-14, Hurts stepped onto the field in the fourth quarter. He ignited a stunning comeback, throwing for 82 yards and a touchdown, plus rushing for a game-winning 15-yard score. Alabama triumphed 35-28, clinching a playoff spot.
That moment defined Hurts’ junior year. He finished the season with 765 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and 167 rushing yards. Alabama reached the National Championship again, but Clemson crushed them 44-16. Hurts completed his bachelor’s degree in communication and information sciences in December 2018, ready for a fresh start. After three years and a 26-2 record as a starter, he entered the transfer portal, eyeing one final college chapter.
Oklahoma Rebirth: A Heisman-Caliber Finale
Jalen Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma in January 2019, joining the Sooners for his senior season. Coach Lincoln Riley welcomed him as the replacement for Heisman winner Kyler Murray, and Hurts wasted no time proving his worth. In his debut against Houston, he shattered Oklahoma’s single-game yardage record for a quarterback debut, amassing 508 total yards—332 passing and 176 rushing—with six touchdowns. Fans marveled at his seamless transition into Riley’s high-octane offense.
The 2019 season became Hurts’ masterpiece. He threw for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns, while rushing for a school-record 1,298 yards and 20 scores. Oklahoma clinched the Big 12 Championship, and Hurts led them to the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl. Though LSU routed them 63-28, Hurts’ individual brilliance shone through. He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, trailing only Joe Burrow, and cemented his status as one of college football’s elite. His 5,149 total offense yards at Oklahoma rank eighth in program history, a remarkable feat for a one-year stint.
Key Moments That Shaped Him
The Bench Heard ‘Round the World
The 2018 National Championship benching could’ve broken Hurts, but it fueled him instead. He stayed composed, cheering Tagovailoa’s heroics, and later said, “Iron sharpens iron.” That mindset carried him through tough times.
SEC Championship Heroics
Trailing Georgia in 2018, Hurts turned the tide with poise and precision. His game-winning run electrified Mercedes-Benz Stadium, proving he thrived under pressure. That victory silenced doubters and showcased his heart.
Oklahoma Explosion
Hurts’ 508-yard debut at Oklahoma announced his arrival in style. He adapted to a new system, broke records, and led with confidence, earning Riley’s praise: “He handled the moment good.”
Transition to the NFL
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. His college experience—facing adversity and excelling in two programs—prepared him for the pros. By 2022, he led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII, and in 2025, he clinched Super Bowl LIX. His 14,667 passing yards and 52 rushing touchdowns in the NFL through 2024 echo his college dominance. Hurts credits Alabama and Oklahoma for molding him into a champion.
FAQs About Jalen Hurts’ College Career
What made Jalen Hurts choose Alabama over other schools?
Jalen Hurts picked Alabama because of its winning tradition and coach Nick Saban’s reputation for developing quarterbacks. Growing up in Texas, he admired the Crimson Tide’s dominance and saw it as the perfect stage to showcase his talents. Despite offers from Mississippi State and Texas A&M, he committed in June 2015, believing Tuscaloosa offered the best path to success.
How did Hurts handle being benched in the National Championship?
The Rise Hurts handled the 2018 benching with grace and maturity beyond his years. He supported Tua Tagovailoa from the sidelines, cheering as Alabama won in overtime. Later, he called it a learning experience, saying it taught him patience and teamwork. That moment fueled his determination to prove himself in 2018 and beyond.
Why did Hurts transfer to Oklahoma for his senior year?
Zion Hurts transferred to Oklahoma seeking a fresh start and a chance to shine as a starter. After backing up Tagovailoa in 2018, he wanted to lead a team and boost his NFL draft stock. Lincoln Riley’s quarterback-friendly offense and the opportunity to replace Kyler Murray made Oklahoma the ideal fit for his final season.
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