Jaylon Thomas Bio
Jaylon Thomas (born March 31, 2000) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL). He previously spent time with the Houston Texans, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Thomas played college football for the SMU Mustangs from 2018 to 2022 and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens following the 2023 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Jaylon Thomas was born on March 31, 2000, in Lubbock, Texas. He attended Coronado High School in Lubbock, where he lettered in both football and basketball. His performance on the football field earned him a three-star recruit rating from recruiting services.
Despite receiving offers from several colleges including Texas Tech, Stephen F. Austin, and Tulsa, Thomas chose to continue his football career close to home. He committed to play college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU), joining the Mustangs program as an incoming freshman.
Path to American Football
Thomas arrived at SMU in 2018 and immediately contributed as a true freshman. He appeared in seven games during his first season, starting six of them at right tackle. This early playing time provided valuable experience at the collegiate level and laid the foundation for his development as an offensive lineman.
His progression continued rapidly through the SMU program. By his sophomore season in 2019, Thomas had earned the starting left tackle position and began showcasing the skills that would define his career. The coaching staff recognized his potential and trusted him with protecting the quarterback’s blind side, a responsibility typically reserved for a team’s most talented linemen.
Jaylon Thomas Career
College Career (2018–2022)
During his sophomore season in 2019, Thomas started all 13 games at left tackle for the SMU Mustangs. His dominant performance throughout the season earned him recognition as a second-team All-AAC selection, marking the first of consecutive All-Conference honors. He also appeared on the Phil Steele Preseason AAC third-team offense list entering the following year.
The 2020 season saw Thomas continue his strong play despite a shortened schedule due to external circumstances. He started all nine games at left tackle and earned his second consecutive second-team All-AAC nod. Additional honors that year included Dave Campbell’s All-Texas College Second Team selection and a place on the Outland Trophy Watch List, which recognizes the nation’s top interior offensive linemen.
In 2021, Thomas played in all 12 games and started nine of them. His senior season in 2022 proved to be his most versatile, as he appeared in 12 games with 11 starts, demonstrating proficiency at all five offensive line positions. He earned All-AAC Honorable Mention, PFF All-AAC First Team honors, and was named to the Senior Bowl Watchlist while continuing to appear on major award watch lists.
Professional Career
Baltimore Ravens (2023)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Thomas signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 18, 2023. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason. However, he was waived on August 29 as part of the Ravens’ final roster reductions.
New York Giants (2023)
Following his release from Baltimore, Thomas joined the New York Giants organization. He was signed to the team’s practice squad on August 31, 2023. His tenure with the Giants included being elevated from the practice squad on September 21 to fill in for injured teammates Andrew Thomas and Ben Bredeson. In Week 5 of the regular season, he played three snaps at center before being released on October 31.
Houston Texans (2023–2025)
Thomas joined the Houston Texans on November 14, 2023, when he was signed to their practice squad. He demonstrated enough promise to earn a reserve/future contract with the team on January 22, 2024. During the 2024 season, Thomas worked to establish himself within the Texans’ offensive line rotation. He was waived with an injury designation on August 3, 2024, and reverted to the team’s injured reserve list after going unclaimed on waivers.
The 2025 season brought continued roster fluctuation for Thomas with the Texans. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Additional roster moves followed, including releases and re-signings throughout September and December 2025. Thomas was released by the Texans on January 14, 2026.
Louisville Kings (2026–Present)
On April 2, 2026, Thomas signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL), providing him with an opportunity to continue his professional football career in the spring league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thomas brings versatility to the offensive line, having demonstrated the ability to play all five positions along the line during his college career. His primary position remains offensive tackle, where he has shown the footwork and length necessary to handle edge rushers at the professional level. His experience at center during his time with the Giants demonstrates his positional flexibility, which appeals to teams seeking backup linemen capable of filling multiple roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Thomas’s college career was highlighted by his consistent selection to All-Conference teams, with second-team All-AAC honors in both 2019 and 2020. His ability to start all 13 games at left tackle during his sophomore season demonstrated his durability and reliability. The transition to the NFL brought the typical challenges faced by undrafted free agents, including brief tenures with multiple organizations and practice squad elevations, but his persistence has allowed him to continue pursuing opportunities at the professional level.
Jaylon Thomas Career Highlights
Throughout his football career, Thomas has accumulated notable accomplishments at both the collegiate and professional levels. His collegiate honors reflect his standing as one of the top offensive linemen in the American Athletic Conference during his tenure.
SMU Mustangs Highlights
Thomas earned second-team All-AAC honors twice, selecting in 2019 and 2020. He was named to the Dave Campbell’s All-Texas College Second Team following his 2020 season. His senior season performance in 2022 earned him PFF All-AAC First Team recognition and All-AAC Honorable Mention. Throughout his four seasons at SMU, Thomas started 43 games across various offensive line positions, showcasing the durability and consistency that characterized his college career.
Professional Highlights
Thomas has appeared in limited regular-season action during his NFL career, including game time with the New York Giants during the 2023 season. His ability to earn elevations from practice squads demonstrates the confidence coaches have placed in his readiness when called upon. His signing with the Louisville Kings in 2026 marked a new chapter in his professional journey within the UFL.
Family
Specific details regarding Jaylon Thomas’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or family lineage in football, are not publicly available in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a turbulent period for Thomas with the Houston Texans. He experienced multiple roster transactions throughout the year, reflecting the competitive nature of NFL roster spots along the offensive line. His practice squad assignments provided opportunities to continue developing within the Texans’ system while waiting for potential elevation opportunities.
Throughout the season, Thomas worked alongside various offensive line combinations as the Texans navigated their regular-season schedule. His versatility at multiple line positions remained a valuable attribute as the team managed injuries and performance fluctuations along their front. The December re-signing to the practice squad indicated the coaching staff continued to see value in maintaining his presence on the roster into the final weeks of the season.