Jalen Hurts is a name that carries a lot of weight in Philly these days. But before he was the guy leading the Eagles to Super Bowls and breaking NFL records, he had one of the most unique—and honestly, most stressful—college careers we've ever seen. If you're wondering what college did jalen hurts go to, the answer isn't just a single school. It's actually a two-part saga involving two of the biggest powerhouses in college football history: the University of Alabama and the University of Oklahoma.
Most players stick with one team. Jalen didn't. He's one of those rare athletes who is genuinely beloved by two completely different fanbases.
The Tuscaloosa Years: Alabama Crimson Tide (2016–2018)
Jalen started his journey at Alabama. He was a four-star recruit out of Texas, and he didn't waste any time. In 2016, he became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Nick Saban. Think about that for a second. Saban is notoriously tough on QBs, and he trusted a kid straight out of high school to run the show.
It worked. Jalen was electric. He led the Tide to a 13-1 record and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman. He had this poise that felt way beyond his years. He eventually led Alabama to two straight National Championship appearances.
But then things got complicated.
During the 2018 National Championship game against Georgia, Alabama was struggling. At halftime, Saban made the gutsy—and controversial—move to bench Jalen for a freshman named Tua Tagovailoa. Tua came in and won the game. Just like that, Jalen went from the face of the program to the backup.
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Most guys would have quit right then. They would have hit the transfer portal the next morning. But Jalen stayed for his junior year. He sat on the bench, supported Tua, and then, in a wild twist of fate, he came off the bench in the 2018 SEC Championship to lead a comeback win against Georgia. It was poetic. Seriously, you couldn't write a better script.
The Norman Chapter: Oklahoma Sooners (2019)
After graduating from Alabama in three years with a degree in public relations, Jalen decided it was time for a fresh start. He headed to the University of Oklahoma as a graduate transfer for the 2019 season.
He wasn't just joining any team; he was stepping into Lincoln Riley’s "Heisman factory." He had to follow in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, both of whom had just won the Heisman Trophy. No pressure, right?
Jalen didn't just meet expectations; he shattered them.
In his very first game for the Sooners, he put up over 500 yards of total offense. He looked like a completely different passer. Under Riley’s coaching, his efficiency skyrocketed. He finished the 2019 season with:
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- 3,851 passing yards
- 32 passing touchdowns
- 1,298 rushing yards
- 20 rushing touchdowns
He finished as the Heisman runner-up (losing out to Joe Burrow during that legendary LSU run) and led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff.
Why Jalen Hurts' College Path Was Different
When people ask what college did jalen hurts go to, they usually expect a short answer. But the reason his story sticks with people is how he handled the "Alabama situation."
Usually, when a star player gets benched, there's drama. There are "unnamed sources" leaking frustrations to the press. There’s a messy breakup. With Jalen, there was nothing but class. He graduated from Alabama, hugged Nick Saban, and then went and dominated at Oklahoma.
Academic Success Beyond the Field
It's also worth noting that Jalen wasn't just a "football player" at these schools. He actually cared about the "student" part of student-athlete.
- University of Alabama: Earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Information Sciences in just three years.
- University of Oklahoma: While playing his final season, he started his graduate work. In May 2023, even while established as an NFL star, he officially received his Master’s degree in Human Relations from OU.
That’s a huge deal. It’s one thing to play on Saturdays; it’s another to keep grinding for a Master's degree while you're an NFL MVP candidate.
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Summary of His College Journey
If you need the quick facts to settle a bet, here they are. Jalen Hurts played for Alabama (2016–2018) and Oklahoma (2019).
He won a National Championship ring at Alabama (2017 season) and made the College Football Playoff four years in a row across two different schools. He’s the only quarterback to lead two different programs to the playoff as a starter.
If you're looking to follow in Jalen's footsteps or just want to understand the modern college football landscape, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Transfer Portal is a Tool: Jalen showed that transferring isn't about giving up; it's about finding the right fit for your skills.
- Character Matters: NFL scouts often point to Jalen’s time at Alabama—specifically how he handled being benched—as the reason they knew he had the mental toughness to succeed in the pros.
- Education Lasts: Even if you're a projected second-round pick, finishing your degree (and even a Master's) provides a foundation that football can't take away.
Jalen Hurts' legacy isn't tied to one jersey. Whether you see him in Crimson or Cream and Crimson, he's a legend in both Tuscaloosa and Norman.