Nashville, Tenn. – Defensive back Jalen McMurray’s final game of the 2025 season in the Tennessee uniform came after weeks of uncertainty, physical setbacks and emotional strain.
But, it ended with him on the field, playing one last time with the Volunteers and the Power T on his helmet.
McMurray, a senior with the Senior Bowl approaching, was limited throughout bowl preparation after getting banged up earlier in December. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said McMurray’s availability remained in doubt until the final moments before kickoff.
“I talked about the guys that were in that locker room that wanted to play and compete with the brothers and play one more time with the T on the side of their helmet,” Heupel said. “It’s special to have that group do that. Jalen, man, so proud of how he’s grown since he got here as a football player, but outside of it as well.”
Heupel said McMurray’s status was far from certain as bowl prep progressed.
“Wanted to play in this game. Gets dinged up here in the middle of December. Really questionable whether he would even come close to having the opportunity to play. Does everything in his power to get back,” Heupel said.
Even a day before the game, McMurray remained unsure.
“Yesterday I’m not sure you thought you were going to play and said, ‘Man, I want to go through warm-ups and figure it out,’” Heupel said. “Great teammate, great football player, and he’s a football player. He loves playing the game, and for him to be able to go through it today, to make a decision that he can play and then go play the way that he did… it is everything that you would want in a player as a coach. Couldn’t be more proud of him.”
For McMurray, the decision to suit up was rooted in loyalty to his teammates and gratitude for his time at Tennessee.
“I didn’t want my teammates, even though I know they probably wouldn’t think this, didn’t want them thinking I quit on them,” McMurray said.
He described his final appearance as deeply meaningful.
“This is the most fun I’ve had playing football in my life,” McMurray said. “It was important to me to leave it out, everything on the field, give it all for the Power T. Give it all for my teammates, coaches — them for giving me so much. The opportunity to come out here and play with them.”
McMurray said Tennessee has played a defining role in his development.
“This place has given me so much,” McMurray said. “I wanted to be able to finish it out. I don’t want for my teammates, even though they wouldn’t think this, I don’t want them to think I quit on them. It was important to me to leave it out, everything on the field. Give it all for the Power T, give it all for my teammates, coaches.”
The road to the finale was not easy.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster,” McMurray said. “There were times where I felt good. Times where I didn’t. Like he said, I was doubtful yesterday. I didn’t think I’d be able to play.”
When he finally stepped onto the field, McMurray said the moment carried deeper meaning beyond football.
“The opportunity to come out here and play with them… it’s just give God the glory for allowing me to step on that field and play how I did,” McMurray said. “Thank God for having me feel good right now, too.”
With his Tennessee career complete, McMurray leaves having played his final game the way he wanted, alongside his teammates, wearing the Power T, and giving everything he had.
