Florida Gators

Trotting out to the mound for the 2024 Meet the Gators series is transfer right-handed pitcher Matthew Jenkins, who joins UF as a sophomore following a strong campaign at Santa Fe College. The Live Oak, Fla. native will wear No. 37 for the Orange & Blue this upcoming season.
 
Although the 2025 season begins in February, Jenkins has already produced a scoreless outing at Condron Family Ballpark. Appearing in both fall exhibitions against Jacksonville and USF, Jenkins was one of six Gators to combine for a game one shutout of the Bulls. Following a 50-minute weather delay, Jenkins tossed a scoreless sixth inning with one strikeout and a 4-6-3 double play while throwing a nasty fastball that topped at 97 mph.
 
In his lone season at Santa Fe, Jenkins appeared in 16 games highlighted by two starts, where he compiled a 7-5 record. He allowed just 53 hits in 57 innings to hold opposing hitters to a .245 batting average against, but was most impressive in his ability to miss bats. Jenkins fanned 60 batters for 9.5 strikeout per nine.
 
Prior to that, Jenkins pitched his senior prep campaign at Lafayette High School for Head Coach Tim Hanson. Making 15 appearances, he dominated to the tune of a perfect 9-0 record, 1.51 ERA and .135 batting average against. With 85 strikeouts in 51 frames, the six-foot-six hurler concluded with a 15.0 K/9. He surrendered just 24 hits, equating to 4.2 knocks per nine. That performance helped carry Lafayette to a 22-5 record featuring a trip to the FHSAA Class 1A Baseball Championship.
 

The biggest surprise of the fall for me so far has to be RHP Matthew Jenkins out of Santa Fe CC.

There's certainly a lot of competition around him but don't be surprised if he's in the mix for a spot in Florida's rotation. Room to grow into 6-6 frame and already touching 97. pic.twitter.com/AZSbGnCHFO

— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) October 20, 2024

While Jenkins will solely pitch in Orange & Blue, he handled the bat well at Lafayette. Slashing .358/.400/.592 as a senior, he swatted four homers and five doubles while driving in 28 runs in 27 contests. He also stole two bags and fielded at a .966 clip.
 
Also suiting up for the Florida Hardballers during his prep days, Jenkins collected five sets of all-tournament team honors at Perfect Game events from 2019-22. He was honored as PG Preseason Honorable Mention All-Region in advance of his senior campaign.
 
Coming out of high school in 2023, Jenkins held status as the No. 281 player and No. 95 right-handed pitcher in Florida (per PG).
 
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