Florida State lands Duke safety Ma'khi Jones out of transfer portal
Florida State landed another productive defensive back out of the transfer portal on Tuesday as former Duke safety Ma’khi Jones decided to become a Seminole.
Jones played in all 14 games for the Blue Devils as a true freshman in 2025. He had 35 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Jones is originally from Grayson, Ga., before moving to Montvale, N.J., to finish his high school career at St. Joseph’s Regional.
Out of high school, Jones was a three-star recruit. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, he was the nation’s No. 137-ranked safety.
According to Pro Football Focus, the new Florida State DB had a tackling grade of 72.5, a coverage grade of 59.3, and a run defense grade of 78.1 as a freshman.
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Jones will come to Florida State with three years of eligibility remaining and with a redshirt to use.
The Seminoles have been stacking defensive backs in the portal recently. Jones adds to a list of cornerback Neimiah Chandler (South Alabama), nickel corner Karson Hobbs (Notre Dame) and safety CJ Richard (Illinois State).
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