Tennessee football defensive back Jalen McMurray is getting a shot at the NFL. After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, he promptly signed with the in-state NFL franchise, the Tennessee Titans, according to a report from Matt Zenitz.
McMurray just finished his second and final year with the Vols. As the team’s starter at STAR, the team’s nickleback position, he carried the majority of the snaps, particularly after the exit of Boo Carter late in the year.
In 13 games, McMurray posted 56 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and five passes defended. He even played in the Music City Bowl loss to Illinois, despite playing through injury in the game.
“I was doubtful yesterday,” McMurray said after the bowl game. “I didn’t think I would be able to play. But this place has given me so much. I wanted to be able to finish it out. I didn’t want for my teammates, even though they probably wouldn’t think this, I didn’t want them thinking I’d quit on them. It was important to me to leave it out, everything, out on the field. Give it all for the Power T. Give it all for my teammates, coaches for them giving me so much — the opportunity to come out here and play with them.”
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In his first season at Tennessee, he was primarily a backup corner for the 2024 team that went to the College Football Playoffs. That year, he recorded 14 tackles and four passes defended.
Prior to his time in Knoxville, McMurray started his career at Temple. In 2023, the year prior to landing with the Vols, he started all 11 games he played in at cornerback and recorded 39 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and four pass breakups.
Tennessee had five players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. This featured Colton Hood in round two to the Giants, Chris Brazzell in round three to the Panthers, Jermod McCoy in round four to the Raiders, Joshua Josephs in round five to the Commanders and Tyre West in round seven to the Lions.
