Jalan McClendon Bio
Jalan McClendon (born October 21, 1995) is an American professional football quarterback. Standing 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and weighing approximately 222 lb (101 kg), he has spent his career as a backup and developmental passer across multiple professional leagues, including the National Football League (NFL), the XFL, and the United Football League (UFL). After going unselected in the 2019 NFL draft, McClendon has continued to compete at the professional level, most recently joining the Columbus Aviators in 2026 after time spent with several spring football franchises.
Early Life and Background
Jalan McClendon was born on October 21, 1995, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he grew up and developed his interest in football. He attended West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, playing quarterback for the school team while also spending time on the basketball court. As a junior, he threw for more than 1,700 yards and 22 passing touchdowns, establishing himself as a promising young passer in the Charlotte area.
During his senior season, McClendon led West Mecklenburg to a 9–3 record and a berth in the North Carolina 4AA state playoffs, adding another 1,700 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns to his résumé. Recruiting analysts graded him as a 3-star quarterback by Rivals.com and a 4-star quarterback by both 247Sports and On3.com. He received scholarship offers and visits from Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, East Carolina, Florida State, Miami, NC State, and Virginia, before ultimately committing to NC State on May 15, 2013, and signing his letter of intent on February 5, 2014.
Path to Professional Football
McClendon’s path to the professional game began in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where he joined the NC State Wolfpack in 2014. He redshirted his first year to preserve his eligibility, then spent time learning behind quarterback Jacoby Brissett, a Florida transfer who had taken over the starting role. With Brissett in front of him, McClendon appeared in seven games during the 2015 season as the primary backup, gaining valuable experience in a Power Five program.
Following Brissett’s graduation and selection in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, McClendon competed for the starting job against Jakobi Meyers and incoming Boise State transfer Ryan Finley. He won that competition, pushing Meyers to wide receiver, but Finley ultimately claimed the starting role during the 2016 season. McClendon still saw action in 10 games that year and scored his first college passing and rushing touchdowns against the Old Dominion Monarchs. After a quieter 2017 season, he graduated from NC State and transferred to Baylor to use his remaining year of eligibility. At Baylor in 2018, McClendon competed with returning starter Charlie Brewer, made his first start on November 3, 2018, against Oklahoma State, and appeared in nine games as a backup.
Jalan McClendon Career
Early Career (2019)
After going unselected in the 2019 NFL draft, McClendon signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2019. His stay with the team was brief, as he was waived four days later on May 17, alongside defensive tackle Kalil Morris, in a roster move to make room for Shane Ray and Michael Floyd. Following his release from Baltimore, McClendon worked out with the New York Giants on July 27, 2019, but did not receive a contract offer from the organization.
On August 11, 2019, McClendon was signed by the Washington Redskins after Josh Woodrum was placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. He received preseason playing time, completing 4 of 10 passes for 16 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, before being released on August 31 as part of the final cuts to reach the 53-man roster limit. He later worked out for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, but neither team extended a contract offer.
XFL Breakthrough with the Los Angeles Wildcats (2020)
On October 7, 2019, McClendon was included in the quarterback draft pool of the 2020 XFL revival, and on October 16, 2019, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Wildcats during Phase 5 of the league’s open draft. He made the roster as a backup behind Josh Johnson leading into the Wildcats’ first game against the Houston Roughnecks. After injuries to Johnson and to Chad Kanoff, McClendon made his professional football debut in that opening contest, going 1 for 4 passing with no yards and an interception.
During the Wildcats’ week three game against the DC Defenders, McClendon took over at quarterback and recorded a 3-yard rush, his only other statistical contribution of the season. The XFL suspended operations and laid off all employees after the fifth week of its inaugural season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ending McClendon’s first professional opportunity.
Vegas Vipers, DC Defenders, and Houston Roughnecks Era (2022–2025)
On November 15, 2022, McClendon was selected by the Vegas Vipers of the XFL during Phase 0 of the 2023 XFL draft. The Vipers folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL). On January 15, 2024, McClendon was selected by the DC Defenders with the sixth overall pick in the Super Draft portion of the 2024 UFL dispersal draft, and he signed with the team on January 22. He re-signed with the Defenders on November 4, 2024, before being traded to the Houston Roughnecks on November 6, 2024, in exchange for cornerback Kiondre Thomas. McClendon was re-signed by the Roughnecks on July 10, 2025, continuing his role as a veteran presence in the UFL.
Columbus Aviators Era (2026–Present)
On January 12, 2026, McClendon was allocated to the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL), beginning a new chapter in his professional career. Listed at No. 8 on the roster, he continues to compete as a quarterback in the spring football circuit.
Driving Style and Strengths
McClendon brings the physical tools expected of a prototypical pocket passer, with the size and arm strength to operate from the pocket at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and 222 lb (101 kg). His college experience in pro-style systems at NC State and Baylor, combined with repeated stints in development quarterback rooms, has given him a strong foundation in pre-snap reads and timing-based passing. He has built his professional career on professionalism, preparation, and the ability to step in when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of McClendon’s professional career came in the 2020 XFL season, when he was unexpectedly thrust into action in the Los Angeles Wildcats’ first-ever game against the Houston Roughnecks due to injuries at the quarterback position. He also made his first college start for Baylor against Oklahoma State on November 3, 2018, a notable milestone in his development. Being selected sixth overall in the 2024 UFL Super Draft dispersal draft by the DC Defenders stands as another career milestone, validating his standing as a respected spring football veteran.
Jalan McClendon Career Wins
Jalan McClendon’s professional career has primarily been defined by his work as a backup and developmental quarterback across multiple leagues, rather than as a featured starter with a long list of starting wins. His time with the Los Angeles Wildcats, Vegas Vipers, DC Defenders, and Houston Roughnecks has provided experience in varied offensive systems, while he has continued to compete at the professional level through the 2025 season.
XFL and UFL Highlights
McClendon’s most notable professional statistical contribution came during the abbreviated 2020 XFL season with the Los Angeles Wildcats, where his relief appearance in the team’s first-ever game marked his professional football debut. In 2024, he was selected sixth overall in the UFL Super Draft by the DC Defenders, a clear indication of his value within the league’s quarterback ranks. His trade to the Houston Roughnecks in November 2024 and his re-signing in July 2025 further established his role within the UFL ecosystem.
Other Wins and Performances
While comprehensive win totals are not available across his multiple league stops, McClendon’s senior season at West Mecklenburg High School stands out, as he led the team to a 9–3 record and a North Carolina 4AA state playoff appearance. At the college level, his contributions to NC State and Baylor helped support competitive offenses, though he served primarily as a backup throughout his collegiate career.
Jalan McClendon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Jalan McClendon’s immediate family is limited, and details about his parents and any family connections to professional football have not been widely reported.
Personal Life
Jalan McClendon was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, the city he has long called home. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly confirmed, and he tends to keep his personal life out of the public eye while continuing his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Jalan McClendon’s 2025 season was anchored by his time with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League, where he had been traded from the DC Defenders in November 2024. He was re-signed by the Roughnecks on July 10, 2025, indicating the organization’s continued confidence in his experience and professionalism as a veteran quarterback. His role within the team offered stability in the quarterback room throughout the UFL season.
As a backup and developmental passer, McClendon provided depth and support for the Roughnecks’ offense, drawing on years of experience in multiple professional and college systems. The 2025 campaign also served as a bridge year, with McClendon continuing to build relationships with coaching staffs and teammates as the UFL moved toward its next phase of operations.
Looking ahead, McClendon was allocated to the Columbus Aviators on January 12, 2026, beginning a new chapter in his professional journey. His 2025 experience with the Houston Roughnecks, combined with his extensive background, positions him as a reliable veteran presence entering the new UFL season with Columbus.
