FSU football set to lose another starter to college football transfer portal

The Florida State Seminoles are nearing 20 departures in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Over the last few days, multiple players who started for the Seminoles during the 2025 season have elected to move on from the program, including redshirt sophomore cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls and junior tight end Randy Pittman Jr.

The latest transfer comes in the form of a veteran out of the SEC who spent just year in Tallahassee.

FSU Defensive End Jayson Jenkins Transferring Again

On Thursday afternoon, redshirt junior defensive end Jayson Jenkins announced his plans to transfer from Florida State.

Jenkins appeared in all 12 games and made five starts this fall, totaling 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.

The Seminoles were hoping Jenkins would develop into a major piece along the defensive front. However, he suffered an Achilles injury last offseason that kept him out of spring practice and limited him leading up to fall camp.

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

Jenkins made a swifter than unexpected recovery, taking part in preseason practice and being able to suit up for the season opener against Alabama. Regardless, it was evident that his explosiveness wasn't fully back, preventing him from reaching the ceiling Florida State anticipated.

Prior to his time with the Seminoles, Jenkins spent three seasons in the SEC at Tennessee, joining the program as a three-star prospect in the 2022 class. Jenkins appeared in 20 career games with the Volunteers, recording 15 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble.

Jenkins was a key member of the defensive rotation when Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff in 2024.

The 6-foot-6, 276-pound defender is expected to have one season of eligibility remaining.

Florida State will be looking to younger players such as Mandrell Desir, Darryll Desir, and Amaree Williams to take the next step this offseason.