Florida State defensive end Jaden Jones is heading to the NCAA Transfer Portal, opening the door for a fresh start after a winding college football journey that’s included JUCO ball, injuries, and flashes of potential in Tallahassee.
Jones, a redshirt senior by classification, says he’s been cleared for two more years of eligibility - a rare situation, but not unheard of. That extended clock likely comes from his time at Hutchinson Community College and the year he lost to injury after transferring to FSU. It’s a reminder of how winding the path can be for college athletes, especially those trying to make the leap from JUCO to Power Five football.
At 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, Jones brings size and length that coaches covet on the edge. He was a top-tier JUCO prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle, rated as the No. 6 defensive lineman and No. 33 overall player coming out of Hutchinson. That kind of ranking doesn’t come by accident - it’s built on physical traits and flashes of high-end play that evaluators believed could translate to the next level.
His time at Florida State, though, has been a mix of promise and setbacks. After transferring in, Jones saw limited action in 2023, appearing in five games and recording two tackles and a quarterback hurry. Then came the 2024 offseason injury that sidelined him for the entire redshirt junior campaign - a tough blow for a player trying to carve out a role in a deep and talented Seminoles front.
But 2025 brought a return to the field - and some progress. Jones played in all 12 games this season and earned the first three starts of his FSU career. While his stat line - seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup - doesn’t jump off the page, it represents a player who fought back from injury and found his way into the rotation on a competitive defense.
Now, with two years of eligibility still in his pocket, Jones is looking for a new opportunity. He enters the transfer portal at an intriguing time - the NCAA’s Division I transfer window opens January 2 and runs through January 16. And unlike previous years, there’s only one window in 2026, making this a crucial stretch for players like Jones who are seeking a new home.
For programs in need of experienced depth on the edge - especially those looking to bolster their pass rush with a long, athletic frame - Jones could be a name worth watching. He’s battled through the JUCO grind, fought back from injury, and shown he can contribute in a Power Five setting. Now he’s betting on himself to take that next step.