On a quiet Sunday afternoon, three former Tennessee Vols made waves in the college football world by committing to the Florida State Seminoles from the transfer portal, making headlines for both the Vols’ past and the Seminoles’ future. The transfer portal continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the rosters of top-tier college football teams, and this particular set of commitments added another layer to Florida State’s already impressive offseason.
Jayson Jenkins Makes the Leap to Florida State
The first domino to fall was defensive end Jayson Jenkins, who announced his decision to commit to Florida State over other suitors like North Carolina, NC State, and Texas Tech. Jenkins’ move to Florida State was expected, as the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman had been garnering interest from several programs due to his physicality and the potential he showcased during his time at Tennessee.
Jenkins had a steady career at Tennessee, starting his college journey as a part of a crowded defensive line rotation. As a redshirt sophomore in the 2024 season, he made nine tackles, two sacks, and forced one fumble. Though he played behind standout players like Dominic Bailey and Tyre West on the depth chart, Jenkins still made meaningful contributions throughout the season. Notably, one of his most memorable plays came in Tennessee’s dramatic win at Oklahoma, where Jenkins tallied a tackle for loss and even recorded a safety—an exceptional individual moment that showcased his potential as a disruptive force in the backfield.
While Jenkins may not have been a regular starter at Tennessee, his time with the Vols has helped him develop the skills and instincts necessary to thrive at a Power Five program like Florida State. The Seminoles, coming off a successful season, were in need of depth along their defensive front, and Jenkins is expected to bring energy and aggression to a unit that has aspirations of competing for a national championship. With Florida State looking to compete at the highest level, Jenkins’ arrival in Tallahassee could be a key addition to an already-talented defense.
Elijah Herring Follows His Own Path to Florida State
Not long after Jenkins made his commitment, former Tennessee linebacker Elijah Herring followed suit, announcing that he would be joining the Seminoles as well. Herring’s decision to leave Tennessee was a well-known storyline for Vols fans. A once-promising linebacker for the Vols, Herring entered the transfer portal after the 2023 spring season and spent the 2024 season at Memphis, where he had a standout year that put his potential on full display.
During his lone season at Memphis, Herring registered an impressive 60 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His production at Memphis was a significant step forward from his time at Tennessee, where in two seasons, Herring tallied 90 tackles and three sacks. At Tennessee, Herring was part of a deep linebacker group, and his development was somewhat stunted by the competitiveness of the position, as Tennessee featured several strong and capable linebackers in their rotation.
However, Herring’s move to Memphis allowed him to find his rhythm and become a more dynamic presence on defense. His strong 2024 campaign turned heads, and it wasn’t long before Florida State came calling. The Seminoles were in need of experienced linebackers, and Herring’s ability to be an impact player in multiple facets of the game—whether rushing the passer or covering the field in pass protection—made him an ideal candidate for a program looking to improve on defense.
Herring’s Role at Florida State
Herring’s commitment is significant for Florida State in more ways than one. His versatility as a linebacker gives the Seminoles some much-needed flexibility in their defensive scheme. He can play both inside and outside linebacker positions, offering defensive coordinator Adam Fuller different options when it comes to scheme design. Herring’s experience with coverage and his knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage could be critical for Florida State as they aim to make a deep run into the college football playoffs.
Moreover, Herring’s leadership qualities, honed during his time at Tennessee and Memphis, will make him an immediate asset for the Seminoles. Florida State will be counting on experienced players like Herring to help solidify their defense, and Herring could step into a prominent role within the linebacking corps as they continue to build a championship-caliber squad.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal on Florida State
The transfer portal has become a powerful tool for teams to build and supplement their rosters, and Florida State has been one of the programs that has utilized it effectively in recent years. The Seminoles have become a national contender, and their recent success in attracting former Vols like Jenkins and Herring will only strengthen their depth and ability to compete at the highest level.
For Florida State, acquiring players like Jenkins and Herring signals that they are focused on building a well-rounded roster. The Seminoles are not only bolstering their defense but also reinforcing their team’s depth by adding experienced players from other successful programs. This trend in recruiting via the portal reflects a larger shift in college football, where many programs are focusing on improving their rosters by supplementing them with high-quality transfer players, instead of relying solely on high school recruits.
Tennessee’s Perspective and the Road Ahead
For Tennessee, the departure of Jenkins and Herring represents a loss of depth and experience, particularly at positions of need. Jenkins had shown flashes of potential as a rotational defensive end, and his absence will leave a gap on Tennessee’s defensive line. Similarly, Herring was a versatile linebacker who contributed to Tennessee’s defense and could have been a key figure moving forward. His decision to leave for Memphis and ultimately Florida State underscores the challenges that Tennessee has faced in retaining all of their talent, especially with the increasing competition within the transfer portal.
However, Tennessee remains in good hands under head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols’ recruiting efforts are still strong, and the program continues to attract top talent. With an excellent coaching staff and a commitment to player development, Tennessee is poised to recover from the departures and continue to compete for SEC and national titles in the future. The Vols will have to reload and find new contributors at key positions, but the foundation for sustained success is solid.
Conclusion
The commitment of Jayson Jenkins and Elijah Herring to Florida State highlights the growing importance of the transfer portal in shaping college football rosters. Both players had solid careers at Tennessee but ultimately found a new home at Florida State, which continues to build a formidable program capable of competing for championships. Jenkins’ and Herring’s moves reflect the fluid nature of college football today, where players are increasingly able to take control of their futures by seeking opportunities at different schools. As Florida State strengthens its defense with these additions, Tennessee will need to adjust and continue to develop its young talent to maintain its status as one of the top programs in the nation.
