As Tennessee preps for the Music City Bowl, Josh Heupel has plenty of work ahead of him. He is installing a new defense with Jim Knowles, evaluating players for when the portal opens up, and recruiting players on his own roster to stay in Knoxville.
Last season, a defensive lineman, Jayson Jenkins, got away. Jenkins was a 3-star in the 2022 class that the Vols beat out Florida, Pitt, Boston College, and West Virginia for his commitment. He was a nice under the radar find by defensive line coach Rodney Garner and was one of the rare prospects to sign in February,
After the 2024 season, Jenkins decided to leave Tennessee and hit the portal. He ended up at Florida State, and during his one-year stint with the Seminoles, he had 17 tackles and a sack. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Jenkins is planning on hitting the portal once again.
Florida State defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per @APSportsAgency. Jenkins started five games for the Seminoles this year and played in 20 games at Tennessee prior to FSU. He finished this year with 17 tackles and 1.5 TFLs. pic.twitter.com/Uzkof2sBSC
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 18, 2025
Former Vol Jayson Jenkins intends to hit the portal again
During Jenkins' time at Tennessee, he was more of a depth guy but was still solid. In 2024, he posted a stat line of nine tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. In his 214 snaps that season, he was graded a 75.5 by Pro Football Focus, which is a very solid score. It's not a surprise that a big program like Florida State wanted him.
Hopefully, Jenkins can find his footing in his last year of college football. If he can put together some good tape, he will definitely get looks to play on Sundays. Jenkins has elite size at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds. He moves well for a big guy and can get to the quarterback.
In 2025, he had only a 60.9 Pro Football Focus grade, so he took a step back, but he still offers a veteran lineman piece that is more than capable.
Given that Jenkins has played at two high-major power four schools, I wouldn't be surprised if he remains at the power four level. Coaches will love the fact that he has nearly 600 snaps playing for two big-name programs.
When it’s all said and done, Vols fans are hoping Jenkins has a nice final season in college.