MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 20: Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jalen Huskey (22) celebrates a big 3rd down stop during a college football game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers on September 20th, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images With the No. 100 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Jalen Huskey, safety, Maryland.After letting veteran Andrew “Dewey” Wingard walk in free agency, the Jags had to find someone to fill his role as a backup safety and core special teams contributor. Huskey figures to immediately challenge for that spot and attempt to carve out a rotational role in Anthony Campanile’s defense.Check out Big Cat Country’s draft home page for our extensive coverage.
PlayerBackgroundName: Jalen HuskeyClass: Fourth-year seniorAge: 23 (turns 24 in May)Hometown: Frederick, MDHigh school: Quince OrchardRecruiting: 3 starConsensus ranking: 187Instagram: @jalenhuskeyX: @HuskeyJalenStatsDefense & Fumbles TableTacklesDef InterceptionsFumblesSeasonTeamConfClassPosGSoloAstCombTFLSkIntYdsAvgIntTDPDFRYdsFRTDFFAwards2022*Bowling GreenMACFRCB94370.00.0000000002023*Bowling GreenMACSOCB123022521.00.044210.50610002024MarylandBig TenJRCB122124452.50.033712.30110002025MarylandBig TenSRDB125814721.50.047819.5030000Career45113631765.00.01115714.30102000Bowling Green (2 Yrs)213425591.00.044210.5061000Maryland (2 Yrs)2479381174.00.0711516.4041000Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original TableGenerated 4/24/2026.ReportsFrom Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:Three-year starting split-field safety with adequate size but deficient speed. Huskey piled up interceptions, showing his ball skills and instincts.
However, he’s slow to accelerate from transitions and lacks quality make-up speed, so receivers can get open and stay open when he’s forced to match them. From Dane Brugler of The Athletic:Huskey doesn’t have top-tier speed and balance, but he has outstanding ball instincts and a feel for overlapping underneath zones. He can give an NFL team depth at strong safety.From Stephen Marciello of Sports Info Solutions:Huskey is a versatile, ball-hawking free safety with very good range, that can make an impact as a deep defender and an open-field tackler right away, and has the potential to be a true 3-level impact safety.From Daniel Harms of Bleacher Report:Jalen Huskey is the biggest sleeper at the safety position in this class.
The football IQ and ball production is impressive for a safety who recently made the transition. A willing participant in the run game, he takes part in every phase with the same enthusiasm.HighlightsJaguars fans, let us know your initial thoughts in the comments below!