Named after Superman's birth name, Kalel Mullings converted from linebacker to running back at Michigan and helped the Wolverines win a national championship.
Kalel Mullings' path to the NFL ran through a position change most players never attempt at the college level. After starting his Michigan career on defense, he moved to running back and became a punishing, north-south rusher on a national title team before the Titans drafted him in 2025.
Path to the league
A Boston native who starred at Milton Academy, Mullings began his Michigan career as a linebacker and special teams contributor before switching to running back during the 2022 season. He started at his new position in 2023 as Michigan won the national championship, then broke out as a senior in 2024 with 948 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries. The Titans selected him with the 188th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Mullings won a national championship with Michigan in 2023 and was part of three consecutive Big Ten titles, going a perfect 4-0 against rival Ohio State during his time in Ann Arbor. His combination of size and contact balance made him a load for defenses to bring down between the tackles.
2025 season recap
Mullings' rookie season was disrupted by injury. He was placed on injured reserve in September 2025 and was not activated again until November, limiting him to a small role behind Tennessee's other backs once he returned to the field.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Kalel Mullings
- Pro Football Reference: Kalel Mullings
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Rushing
9 games played▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | titans | 9 | 3 | 7 | 2.3 | 0 | 4 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Running Back
- Group
- offense
- College
- Michigan
- Hometown
- West Roxbury, MA, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
