If there’s a college football season this fall, Florida State’s odds of success got a boost Thursday with the news that Mississippi State transfers Jarrian Jones and Fabien Lovett will both be eligible immediately.
Lovett, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle, started 13 games for the Bulldogs last year, recording 19 tackles (2½ for loss) and a sack. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Mississippi native was a three-star recruit in high school and had offers at the time from Florida and Alabama, among others.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play this season, and I appreciate the committee’s time reviewing my appeal,” Lovett said. “I’d like to thank Florida State’s compliance staff as well as my coaches for their support throughout this process. I’m ready to play ball.”
Jones was a four-star prospect and the No. 217 overall recruit in the 2019 class. His offers out of high school included Alabama and Oklahoma.
He started once and appeared in 10 other games last season at defensive back, finishing with 12 tackles, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
“We are fired up for Jarrian and Fabien to have this opportunity to compete this season,” first-year FSU coach Mike Norvell said in a statement. “The entire Florida State family is grateful to the NCAA committee for their time considering these appeals for two great young men. Jarrian and Fabien are tremendous football players who have already had a positive impact on our program, and I’m looking forward to seeing that impact continue to grow.”
Said Jones: “‘Nole family, let’s get ready.”