Florida State coaches have addressed most of their critical needs in the transfer portal, but could use a few more bodies in the defensive trenches to create depth and competition. The Noles added transfer Jordan Sanders from Texas State on Friday night.
A name familiar to real recruiting heads reappeared in the transfer portal shortly before it closed on Friday. Former blue-chip defensive lineman Shambre Jackson announced his intentions to leave UMASS. Jackson signed with FSU in 2021 as an undersized blue-chip defensive lineman. He entered the transfer portal in December 2022 and landed at UMASS.
Jackson struggled to add weight and size while at FSU, but now stands at 6’4” and 285 pounds:
UMass d-lineman Shambre Jackson (@JacksonShambre) has entered the transfer portal, per his rep @clintbrew247 of @nilsonsports.
— 247Sports Transfer Portal (@247SportsPortal) January 16, 2026
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound former four-star recruit started his career at Florida State. Jackson has 12 career starts, with 51 tackles and 2.5 TFL's and… pic.twitter.com/VxZwmMoTBI
The scouting report on Jackson out of high school fits what FSU needs in the trenches in Tony White’s defense:
"High motor player who pursues to the football and makes plays outside his area. Is physically strong and holds up well at the point of attack. Does a nice job holding the edge and can get a push up the field. Very good run defender and shows upside as a pass rusher."
Jackson had 34 tackles last season at UMASS and a season high seven against Missouri early in the season. He's originally from Orlando, Florida, and probably wouldn't cost that much since FSU clearly isn't going after defensive tackles that come with a high price tag. He could potentially be a rotational guy and only has one year of eligibility remaining.
He'd add some depth and probably help in setting the edge and stopping the run game. FSU legendary defensive line coach Odell Haggins recruited him out of high school.