Born in Houston Texas, Jaelon Darden started out at Eisenhower High School before committing to the University of North Texas. During his 4 years, Darden broke all kinds of records such as the record for most receptions in school history with 230. He was named to the First team All-Conference USA in 2019, a Consensus All-American in 2020, and was awarded the Conference USA MVP award in 2020.
Darden was also a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award which is given to the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community, and tenacity.