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.
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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