Jalen Alexander Hurts was born in Houston, Texas.

Hurts attended Channelview High School in Channelview, Texas, where his father, Averion, was the football coach. He excelled as a quarterback, passing for 2,384 yards with 26 touchdown passes and rushing for 1,391 yards and 25 touchdowns in his senior year.

Hurts committed to the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over other offers, including Texas A&M.