Powell spent 2016 to 2019 as a backup receiver.[2] He took a redshirt in 2018 after playing in only four games.[3] During his career, he totaled 40 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns.[4] He became a starter for the first time in his redshirt senior season in 2020.[5][6] He finished the season with 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns.
Powell was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round (181st overall) of the 2021 NFL draft.[9] He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021.[10] Powell was waived on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[11][12] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on February 2, 2022.[13]
On August 30, Powell was waived by the Chiefs and again re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[14][15] He was placed on the practice squad/injured list on January 3, 2023.[16] Powell won Super Bowl LVII where the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles.[17] He signed a reserve/future contract on February 15.[18]
On August 29, 2023, for the third consecutive year, Powell started the season as waived by the Chiefs and re-signed to the practice squad.[19][20] He won a second consecutive Super Bowl when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.[21] His contract expired when the team's season ended on February 11, 2024.
On February 21, 2024, Powell re-signed with the Chiefs.[22] He was waived on August 27.[23] He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 22.[24]