Nay’Ron Jenkins, the former Florida A&M football captain, is set to return to the Rattlers for the 2026 season after the NCAA approved an extra year of eligibility under the “5‑for‑5” rule. The decision reverses his planned transition to a defensive graduate assistant role and places him back on the active roster.
Jenkins brings a formidable résumé, having amassed 145 career tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five pass break‑ups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during his collegiate career. In 2025 he ranked second on the team with 62 tackles, underscoring his ability to anchor the defense.
A New Defensive Vision
He will now operate under newly hired defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis Sr., who has assembled a revamped scheme that emphasizes aggressive pass rush and versatile coverage. Jenkins will reunite with his former linebacker partner Justice Cross, a pairing that could reshape the interior of the defense.
The Rattlers open the season on August 29, 2026, at Bragg Memorial Stadium against the Albany State Golden Rams. A preseason scrimmage scheduled for August 22 will give the unit a chance to fine‑tune its chemistry before the first official test.
Coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. expressed confidence that Jenkins’ experience and leadership will accelerate the defense’s development, noting that the senior’s familiarity with the program’s culture could prove pivotal as the team seeks to climb the conference standings.