Jaelyn Alexander Duncan Bio
Jaelyn Alexander Duncan (born July 8, 2000) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Duncan has appeared in 15 NFL games with 8 starts across two seasons with the Titans before joining the UFL in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Duncan was born on July 8, 2000, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He attended Northern High School in Owings, Maryland for three years before transferring to Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore for his senior year. His performance as a high school athlete earned him selection to play in the prestigious Under Armour All-American Game in 2018, a national showcase for top college prospects.
Following his standout high school career, Duncan committed to play college football at the University of Maryland, College Park. His journey from a Maryland high school prospect to a collegiate offensive tackle demonstrated his dedication to developing his skills at the next level.
Path to American Football
At Maryland, Duncan redshirted his true freshman season in 2018 before taking over as the starting left tackle during his redshirt freshman year in 2019. This early opportunity to start at a major college program showed the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities and set the foundation for his development as an offensive lineman.
His sophomore season in 2020 was interrupted by a shortened schedule due to pandemic-related changes, but he started all five of Maryland’s games. As a junior in 2021, Duncan played in all 13 games with 13 starts, including the Terrapins’ bowl victory over Virginia Tech in the Pinstripe Bowl. He returned to Maryland for his senior season in 2022, continuing to develop as a versatile and reliable offensive tackle.
In January 2023, Duncan received significant recognition for his collegiate performance when he was invited to participate in both the 2023 Senior Bowl and the 2023 NFL Combine. These opportunities put him in front of NFL scouts and solidified his status as a draft prospect.
Jaelyn Alexander Duncan Career
College Career (2018–2022)
During his five years at Maryland, Duncan established himself as a durable and capable offensive tackle. After not playing as a true freshman in 2018, he became the starting left tackle beginning in 2019. Over the next three seasons, he accumulated 27 starts across 31 games, showing consistency and growth in his technique and football intelligence.
His senior season in 2022 was his most complete, as he anchored the Maryland offensive line and helped protect the quarterback while opening running lanes for the Terrapins’ ground game. His performance in the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Virginia Tech was particularly notable, as he helped the team close the season with a win against a quality opponent.
Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)
Duncan was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round, 186th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in ten games and started five during the 2023 season. His ability to contribute immediately as a rookie demonstrated the effectiveness of his collegiate development and his readiness for professional competition.
The 2024 season began with Duncan appearing in four games and earning three starts at the beginning of the year. However, his season was interrupted when he suffered a hamstring injury during a start against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. He was placed on injured reserve on October 26. He was activated on December 23 and played one final game in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing the season with three starts. In total, he appeared in 15 NFL games and started 8 across his two seasons with the Titans.
On August 26, 2025, Duncan was waived by the Titans as part of final roster cuts, ending his tenure with the organization that drafted him.
DC Defenders (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Duncan was selected by the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). This move allowed him to continue his professional football career with a team in his home region of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Playing close to his Maryland roots, Duncan joined a franchise that has historically featured former college standouts from the area.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 6 inches and 322 pounds, Duncan possesses the size and length that NFL teams seek in offensive tackles. His experience at Maryland, where he started 27 games across four seasons, including his transition from redshirt to starting left tackle, helped him develop the technical skills and physical attributes necessary for professional competition. His versatility and durability at the collegiate level translated into early NFL playing time.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Duncan has achieved several notable milestones including his selection to the Under Armour All-American Game in high school, his invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, and his recent selection by the DC Defenders in the UFL. His Pinstripe Bowl victory with Maryland remains one of the defining team achievements of his collegiate career.
Jaelyn Alexander Duncan Career Wins
Duncan’s career has included significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His ability to earn immediate playing time with the Titans as a rookie demonstrates the foundation he built during his time at Maryland.
Maryland Terrapins Highlights
During his collegiate career at Maryland, Duncan appeared in 31 games and started 27 across four seasons from 2019 to 2022. His most notable achievement came in 2021 when he helped lead the Terrapins to victory over Virginia Tech in the Pinstripe Bowl, closing the season with a team triumph. His consistency in starting every game during his junior and senior seasons showcased his reliability and durability as an offensive tackle.
Professional Football Highlights
In the NFL, Duncan appeared in 15 games with 8 starts across two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. His rookie year featured 5 starts in 10 games, establishing him as a viable NFL player. His professional career continues with the DC Defenders of the UFL, where he will look to build on his experience and contribute to another team in his home region.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| College (Maryland) | 31 | 27 |
| NFL (Titans) | 15 | 8 |
Family
Personal Life
Duncan grew up in Maryland, attending high school in the state before continuing his football career at the University of Maryland. His journey from local Maryland high schools to the collegiate level and eventually to professional football represents a significant achievement for a player from the area. Information about his family, spouse, or children has not been made publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Duncan with the Tennessee Titans. Entering his third professional season, he faced the challenge of recovering from the hamstring injury that cut short his 2024 campaign. The Titans’ offensive line presented opportunities for players to compete for starting roles, and Duncan worked to reclaim his position after spending time on injured reserve the previous season. His tenure with the Titans concluded when he was waived during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025. Following his release, Duncan signed with the DC Defenders of the UFL in January 2026, giving him an opportunity to continue his professional career closer to home while demonstrating his skills for future NFL consideration.