Former Tennessee Defensive Lineman Announces Transfer Destination

Omari Thomas (21) and Jayson Jenkins (97) sack the Kentucky quarterback during a game at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Cole Moore/RTI

Former Tennessee defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins committed to Florida State on Sunday morning, 247sports’ Matt Zenitz first reported.

Jenkins entered the portal after Tennessee fell to Ohio State in the opening round of the College Football Playoffs. The redshirt sophomore defensive end took visits to Florida State, North Carolina, NC State and Texas Tech before committing to play for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles.

The Bordentown, New Jersey native was a part of a deep Tennessee defensive line rotation during the 2024 season, totaling nine tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. The 6-foot-6, 281-pound defensive end totaled 214 snaps over the course of the season.

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Jenkins was Tennessee’s third string defensive end behind Dominic Bailey and Tyre West. He was a part of the rotation all season and made one of the big plays in the 2024 season, making a tackle for loss and a safety in Tennessee’s win at Oklahoma.

The former three-star recruit briefly entered the transfer portal last offseason before deciding to return to Knoxville for his redshirt sophomore season.

Losing Jenkins was a blow for Tennessee’s defensive line but isn’t a crushing one. West will be back for his senior season and Dominic Bailey has one extra year of eligibility that he could opt to use. Underclassmen defensive end Tyree Weathersby could step up into the rotation spot that Jenkins’ departure opens.

After posting a 13-1 record in 2023, Florida State was one of the worst power four teams in the country last season and posted just a 2-10 (1-7 ACC) record. Norvell and Jenkins are looking to get things back on track for the Seminoles in the the 2025 season.

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