Alley won two national championships as a graduate assistant at Clemson University.

After graduating from Charlotte Country Day School, where he played on both the defensive and offensive lines, Alley went to Clemson.

[5][6][7] Under the recommendation of Brent Venables, Alley was hired by Terry Bowden to be the defensive coordinator for the Warhawks in 2021.

[11] In 2022, Jacksonville State had the #2 best overall defense in the FCS and top 25 in least points allowed per game, and concluded the season claiming the ASUN champion.

[12] In January 2024, the Oklahoma Sooners announced Zac Alley as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.