Tennessee Vols reportedly lose defensive lineman to the NCAA transfer portal

The Tennessee Vols are reportedly losing a defensive lineman to the NCAA transfer portal.  According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Vols redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins is entering the portal.  Jenkins, 6-foot-6/281 lbs from New Jersey, is a former three-star recruit who signed with Tennessee during the 2022 recruiting cycle. Jenkins totaled […]

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols are reportedly losing a defensive lineman to the NCAA transfer portal. 

According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Vols redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins is entering the portal. 

Jenkins, 6-foot-6/281 lbs from New Jersey, is a former three-star recruit who signed with Tennessee during the 2022 recruiting cycle.

Jenkins totaled 15 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble during his three seasons with the Vols. 

The New Jersey native played 28 snaps in Tennessee's 42-17 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff. 

Tennessee will be losing a couple of key defensive linemen this offseason, including senior Omari Thomas (who was an important team leader for UT). The loss of Jenkins, who played some important snaps for the Vols in 2024, is certainly a hit to Tennessee's defensive line depth. 

Jenkins has two seasons of eligibility remaining.