Jalen Wayne joined South Alabama as a member of their 2017 recruiting class. As a fresheman in 2017, he saw action at wide receiver, tight end, running back, and special teams. Ultimately, Wayne made minimal impact in his first three seasons, appearing in 11 total games and catching 8 passes.
In 2020 and 2021 seasons, Wayne would find a bigger role on offense finished third in receiving (418 yards) in 2021 and second in receiving (630 yards) in 2022 behind future NFL third rounder, Jalen Tolbert. Tolbert's departure did not lead to Wayne's ascention in 2022 though. He would finish third in receptions (58) and tied for second in receiving yards (816), but did lead the team in touchdowns (9).
