After dominating the HBCU landscape, Grambling LB Andrew Jones is primed to bounce back to the FBS ranks. Which programs have the highest odds of securing the second-level defender’s services?
Where Will Andrew Jones Transfer?
Jones was a highly sought-after 2021 four-star recruit coming out of John Ehret High School in Marrero, Louisiana. Yet, despite receiving offers from the Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers, and Florida State Seminoles, Jones ultimately landed with the Memphis Tigers.
“When it comes to me looking at schools, I don’t look at anything except the relationship I have with the coaching staffs,” Jones said after his commitment. “I know for a fact I can make a difference when I step on the field at Memphis.”
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But after two years and little playing time, Jones hit the portal and signed with FCS-level Grambling — an HBCU in northern Louisiana. Following a quiet freshman year, Jones exploded in 2024, generating 122 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, receiving SWAC co-Defensive Player of the Year honors.
With one year of eligibility remaining, Jones hopes to rebound to the FBS and end his collegiate career with a bang.
Colorado Buffaloes
Deion Sanders has targeted the portal heavily over the last two years, and there’s no reason to believe he’ll alter his strategy in 2025. Oh, and he also happens to be one of Jones’ all-time favorite players.
Not only could the defense use some reinforcements, but there’s also a program connection through Jones’ LBs coach, Thaddaeus Washington, who played for the Buffaloes from 2002 to 2006.
LSU Tigers
Grambling head coach Mickey Joseph served as the LSU Tigers’ WRs coach from 2017 to 2021 and may still carry some weight in the building.
Plus, the Tigers will lose senior Greg Penn III this offseason, and star LB Harold Perkins is coming off a season-ending injury. Jones would provide at least insurance at the second level if not a full-time starter.
Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns safeties coach Blake Gideon recruited Jones while with the Ole Miss Rebels in 2021 — perhaps he uses his familiarity to attract the rocked-up LB to Austin.
Steve Sarkisian’s program is well-known for its offensive capabilities, but the defense as quietly carried a vast majority of the load this season. Pairing Jones with star true sophomore Anthony Hill Jr. would only raise the floor of an already supremely talented unit.
Georgia Bulldogs
Making the leap from the FCS to the SEC is no easy task, but Jones has the tools to replace one G on his helmet for another.
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Georgia Bulldogs DC Glenn Schumann targeted Jones as a recruit and should only be more interested after his breakout 2024 campaign. With Smael Mondon Jr. and Chazz Chambliss seniors and Jalon Walker likely leaving for the NFL, Schumann will need an influx of talent at the second level.
Florida State Seminoles
Jones took an unofficial visit with the Florida State Seminoles in 2020 and would’ve returned for the spring game were it not for the COVID outbreak. In fact, he said FSU was the leader in his recruitment and his “dream school.”
Why not make that dream a reality in 2025? The Seminoles are coming off one of — if not the — biggest one-year drop-offs in college football history and are doing everything they can to end the skid there.
HC Mike Norvell hired defensive coordinator Tony White away from the Nebraska Cornhuskers, which should make the program even more attractive to defensive prospects.
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