Jalen Hale Sings Off the Field, But Changes the Tune at Kickoff

Mustang Studios · Jul 30, 2026 · 3m

Jalen Hale learned how to compete long before arriving at SMU.Growing up in Longview, Texas, with four older brothers meant constantly playing against bigger, older and more experienced competition. Hale began playing football around four or five years old—and was already tackling opponents during flag football.That competitive upbringing helped shape the toughness he brings to the field today.In this SMU Athletics player profile, Hale shares how his parents and brothers kept him focused, why playing against older athletes prepared him for college football and how his faith helped him through…