2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jordan Owens, TE, University of North Carolina

• Name: Jordan Owens
• Position: TE
• College: University of North Carolina
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 280 lbs
• X: @j_owens15
• Instagram: @j.owens09

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I decided I wanted to be a football player because I had a big brother and cousins who played, and they showed me love and support through the game. Watching them play and being around that environment made me fall in love with football early on. They motivated me and helped guide me, and that love pushed me to want to follow in their footsteps and create my own path in the sport.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my proudest accomplishments include leading my high school to a state championship as the starting quarterback. At the college level, winning the conference title my freshman year at UCA meant a lot to me. Scoring my first touchdown at UCA and then scoring my final touchdown at UNC really showed the full circle of my college football journey.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Going forward, I’m looking to earn a chance to play at the professional level. I want the opportunity to showcase my athleticism at my size and really display the versatility I bring at the tight end position, proving I can impact the game in multiple ways.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Darnell Washington because I’d want to see how he uses his size, strength, and athleticism to dominate at the tight end position, especially how he blocks and still impacts the passing game. Learning his mindset, work ethic, and approach to preparation would help me grow and apply it to my own game.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Honestly, all of my family members inspire me. Each one of them has played a role in shaping who I am today, whether it was through love, support, sacrifice, or motivation. Seeing how they’ve overcome challenges and always stood by me pushed me to work harder and keep chasing my dreams, both in football and in life.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite offensive scheme is a multiple, pro-style offense because it allows me to show my full skill set as a tight end. It lets me line up in different spots, block in the run game, and be a real threat in the passing game. I like how it creates mismatches and gives me the chance to be versatile and impact the game in more than one way.

What stands out about your film the most?

I’d say what stands out about my film this year is my blocking.I didn’t get a ton of opportunities in the passing game at UNC, but I made a few big catches when it counted. Over my career, my versatility really shows being able to block, run routes, and make plays in different ways is something I’ve always prided myself on.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges by staying focused, learning from setbacks, and pushing myself to improve. On the field or in life, I stay disciplined, rely on my faith, and use every obstacle as motivation to get stronger.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player who’s committed, hardworking, and dependable. I bring energy, leadership, and a mindset to push myself and my teammates to get better every day. I compete at a high level, stay coachable, and never back down from challenges.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

What I love most about football is the competition and the challenge. I love pushing myself, working with my teammates, and seeing the results of hard work pay off on the field. It’s about growth. I love being able to be physical.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I’ve played with a lot of underrated guys, but Shunderrick Powell really stood out. He worked hard every day and had a different mindset on the field always focused, always competing, and always pushing himself.