As Tennessee gears up for the Music City Bowl, head coach Josh Heupel’s plate is more than full. He’s not just preparing for a postseason matchup - he’s laying the groundwork for the future. That includes implementing a new defensive scheme with Jim Knowles, assessing the roster with the transfer portal in mind, and doing some in-house recruiting to keep key players in Knoxville.
One name that once flashed potential on Rocky Top is back in the headlines: Jayson Jenkins. The former Vol defensive lineman is reportedly headed back into the NCAA transfer portal after a one-year stint at Florida State.
Jenkins, a 3-star prospect in the 2022 class, was a bit of an under-the-radar gem when Tennessee landed him over offers from Florida, Pitt, Boston College, and West Virginia. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner helped bring him in, and Jenkins was one of the rare late signees that February.
While Jenkins didn’t become a household name during his time in Knoxville, he showed flashes of promise. In 2024, he played 214 snaps for the Vols, racking up nine tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
His Pro Football Focus grade of 75.5 that season was a strong indicator of his impact in limited action - a solid number that reflected his ability to contribute when called upon. That kind of production made it easy to see why a program like Florida State came calling.
At FSU, Jenkins took on a larger role, starting five games and appearing in several others. He finished the 2025 season with 17 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. While his PFF grade dipped to 60.9 this season - a noticeable step back - he still showed enough to suggest he can be a valuable piece in the right system.
Now, with another transfer on the horizon, Jenkins will be looking for his third collegiate home. And while the production may not jump off the page, his physical tools certainly do.
At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Jenkins has the kind of size that gets defensive line coaches excited. He’s agile for his frame, shows flashes of pass-rushing ability, and brings experience from two major Power Four programs.
In total, Jenkins has logged nearly 600 snaps at the college level - a number that speaks to his experience and versatility. He’s not just a depth piece anymore; he’s a veteran presence who’s been through the grind at two top-tier programs.
Where he lands next remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if another Power Four school takes a shot on him. Coaches love players who’ve been battle-tested, and Jenkins has shown he can hold his own in big-time football environments.
As for Tennessee fans, there’s no hard feelings - just hope that Jenkins makes the most of his final year of eligibility. If he can put together a strong season and flash that upside one more time, there’s still a shot he could earn looks at the next level.
The size, the tools, the experience - it’s all there. Now it’s just about finding the right fit.