The iconic words from Big Sean, “Last night took an L, but tonight I bounce back,” could easily be the anthem for Jalen Hurts’ collegiate journey.

His story isn’t just about wins and stats; it’s about resilience, growth, and the kind of determination that doesn’t flinch in the face of adversity. From being benched on the biggest stage in college football to becoming one of the NFL’s brightest stars, Hurts’ path proves that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

Jalen Hurts’Hometown Roots

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Hurts grew up with football in his DNA. According to ABC 13, at Channelview High School, he played under the watchful eye of his father, Averion Hurts, who was also the team’s head coach. It was there that Hurts started turning heads with his dual-threat capabilities, proving he could hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground. His high school career was impressive enough to attract offers from top college programs nationwide.

Alabama: Early Glory, Tough Lessons

Hurts took his talents to the University of Alabama in 2016 and didn’t waste any time making his mark, USA Today outlines. As a true freshman, he became the starting quarterback, leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated regular season and securing the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award. It was clear—the leading athlete was going to make waves across the field.

But football has a funny way of humbling even the best. According to Sports Illustrated, Hurts led Alabama to an impressive 11–1 record and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017. Still, he was benched during the title game in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, who secured a dramatic comeback win. Despite the setback, Hurts chose to stay at Alabama in 2018, supporting his team and stepping up when it mattered most—leading a comeback victory in the SEC Championship after Tagovailoa was injured.

From Oklahoma To The Future

Knowing he needed a fresh start to reach his full potential, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he thrived under head coach Lincoln Riley.

“To my Bama family, once again, THANK YOU — for everything,” Hurts wrote in a farewell piece for a student editorial. “It’s been a great three years. I’ll love you until the end of time!”

USA Today further notes that he racked up 3,851 passing yards and 32 passing touchdowns and added another 1,298 yards with 20 touchdowns on the ground. That’s video game numbers. His performance earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing second to LSU’s Joe Burrow.

Jalen Hurts’ collegiate journey is more than just a highlight reel of touchdowns and trophies. It’s a blueprint for resilience, leading him to his most recent victory during Super Bowl LIX. AFROTECH™ previously reported that the Omega Psi Phi fraternity member made history as the 4th Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and became MVP in the process.