A converted cornerback who became Maryland's Defensive Player of the Year at safety, Jalen Huskey was Jacksonville's third-round pick in the 2026 draft.
Jalen Huskey, one of 13 children from Frederick, Maryland, moved from cornerback to safety during his college career and turned that switch into his best football. After earning team captain honors and Maryland's top defensive award in 2025, the Jaguars drafted him in the third round to compete for a role in their defensive backfield.
Path to the league
Huskey starred at Quince Orchard High School in Maryland after transferring from Middletown High School, helping his team to a 14-0 record and a Class 4A state title. He began his college career at Bowling Green as a cornerback before transferring to Maryland in 2024, where he moved to safety. Jacksonville selected him in the third round, 100th overall, in the 2026 NFL draft.
Career highlights
Huskey earned first-team All-MAC honors at Bowling Green in 2023 after recording 52 tackles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions. Across his college career at both schools, he intercepted 11 passes and defended 10 more, showcasing the ball skills that carried over from his time at cornerback.
2025 season recap
In his final season at Maryland, Huskey was named a team captain and the program's Defensive Player of the Year, recording 72 tackles and four interceptions while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. He was also invited to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl, capping a strong finish that helped him land in the third round of the draft.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jalen Huskey
- ESPN: Jalen Huskey
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Safety
- Group
- defense
- College
- Maryland
- Hometown
- Frederick, MD, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
