'I’ve never really got into what that was' - Florida State's Mike Norvell non-committal on Tennessee transfer addition's status

The Tennessee Vols' biggest loss to the NCAA transfer portal this offseason (outside of quarterback Nico Iamaleava) was easily defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins. 

Jenkins transferred from Tennessee to Florida State earlier this offseason. The former four-star recruit would've been a key part of the Vols' defensive line rotation had he stayed in Knoxville for the 2025 season. 

Instead, Jenkins will look to make an impact for the Seminoles this fall. 

Unfortunately for Jenkins, he suffered an undisclosed injury that kept him out of spring practice at Florida State. 

FSU head coach Mike Norvell was asked this week at the ACC league meetings about Jenkins' status for the start of the 2025 season. 

Norvell was non-committal on Jenkins being ready for the start of the season, though he acknowledged that he feels good about where the former Vol is in his rehab. 

“We’ll see," said Norvell when asked if Jenkins will be ready for the start of the season. "That’s going to be something that — he is progressing really well in his rehab. I’ve never really got into what that was. I’m not going to. He’s, to say, ahead of schedule. I feel really good about where he is. Excited to see where that goes throughout the course of the summer and fall camp. And then we’ll see where he’s at.”

Florida State opens the 2025 season on August 30 against Alabama. 

As for Jenkins, he's coming off a season in which he totaled nine tackles and two sacks. 

A Power-4 general manager pointed out Jenkins earlier this year as a player that will likely reach the NFL. 

"Jayson Jenkins who signed with Florida State," said the general manager to The Athletic when asked which transfer player he liked the most that didn't sign with his program. "I think he’s an NFL defensive end in the right scheme. Big kid, 6-6, 280, movement skills, length, physicality. He’s nice."

Jenkins isn't the only former Vol that landed at Florida State this offseason. Former Tennessee linebacker Elijah Herring and former Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White also transferred to Florida State after the 2024 season.