FIU’s big transfer class featured by 6-7 quarterback
At 6-7 and 245 pounds, new FIU quarterback J.J. Kohl is likely the biggest player at the position in Panthers history.
Kohl, who started six games for Appalachian State this past season, going 3-3, is one of 11 transfers FIU coach Willie Simmons has signed this month.
Those new Panthers make up for the players FIU has lost this month, including wide receiver Alex Perry (signed with Illinois); offensive linemen Jaheim Buchanon (Texas Christian); Mykeal Rabess (Cal); and Daniel Michel (James Madison); defensive tackle Xion Chapman (Minnesota); cornerbacks Mister Clark (Purdue); Brian Blades II (Wake Forest); Victor Evans III (Nebraska); and Ashton Levells (East Carolina); and safety Jessiah McGrew (Arizona State).
Ex-FIU players who have entered the transfer portal and have yet to find a new school include quarterback Keyone Jenkins; tight end Dallas Payne; offensive linemen Antonio Tripp and Miguel Cedeno; and defensive linemen Kenton Simmons and Steven Shannon.
As for the additions besides Kohl, the Panthers on offense have focused on blockers, signing tight end Kevin Schaeffer (Rhode Island); and linemen Daveion Harley (Cal), Manasseh Ripert (Western Carolina); and Oscar Colon (Presbyterian).
On defense, FIU added linemen Nathan Jennings (South Alabama); RJ Moss (South Alabama); and Anthony Cunningham (Texas-Permian Basin); linebackers Brayshawn Littlejohn (Appalachian State) and JaCorey Stewart (Kansas); and cornerback Ryan Gadson (Lafayette).
Kohl, though, is the big-ticket item. Here are five takeaways regarding FIU’s new passer:
1: EXPERIENCED QB: Kohl, a 21-year-old Iowa native, completed 61.6% of his passes in eight games this past season for Appalachian State. He averaged 183.1 yards per game and passed for 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Kohl started his career at Iowa State, but he barely played, completing 9 of 11 passes for 23 yards in parts of four games.
At FIU, Kohl immediately becomes the front-runner to start at QB this season. His fellow FIU quarterbacks are largely inexperienced. Clayton Dees has only thrown four passes in his college career - and that’s four more than Christian Langford and DJ Alexander.
2: EMERGENCY PUNTER? As a youth, Kohl said he won Iowa’s Punt, Pass and Kick competition. In fact, he said he unleashed a 70-yard throw as a 17-year-old.
As for his kicking skills, Kohl is the son of Jamie Kohl, who was Iowa State’s starting kicker from 1995 to 1998.
J.J. said he kicked in middle school.
“I wasn’t a good kicker in games,” Kohl said. “But without a rush, I could probably kick a 45- or 50-yard field goal.”
Kohl believes his big feet (size 16 shoes) make him better suited to punting as opposed to kicking.
3: FEELING BLESSED: Quarterback, though, is Kohl’s natural position.
“I feel like God has gifted me with the ability to throw a football,” Kohl said. “I find joy and peace in playing quarterback.”
FIU wanted to sign Kohl last year. But since the Panthers had Jenkins — the 2025 preseason pick as Conference USA’s Offensive Player of the Year — Kohl chose Appalachian State.
Now, there’s a clear path for Kohl, although FIU offensive coordinator Nick Coleman said everything will have to be earned.
“J.J. has above-average athleticism,” Coleman said. “He’s a great passer with untapped potential.”
As for the quarterback battle, Coleman said: “We’ll see how it goes [in the spring] and then re-evaluate.”
4: STYLE ANALYSIS: Kohl describes himself as a pocket passer who typically gets two or three first downs per game with his legs.
“I’m sneaky athletic,” Kohl said. “I don’t take too many sacks. When the pocket closes up, I can feel it. … I try to win games with my mind.”
Kohl said he wants to improve his ability to move within the pocket to give his receivers more time to get open.
Kohl clearly loves football, and he has been watching a ton of NFL and college playoffs. In fact, while watching those games, Kohl — a Green Bay Packers fan — often texts Coleman with his observations on quarterback play.
5: TAKING CHARGE: Kohl, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is already on campus. He’s excited to be able to practice outdoors year-round in Miami’s sunny weather.
He’s also happy to be on an FIU team that rallied from a 3-5 start, won four straight games and played in its first bowl since 2019.
“It fires me up,” said Kohl, who is set to graduate in December with a degree in Communications. “I’m excited to be part of a team that does not surrender.”
Kohl said he can’t wait to meet people from different backgrounds.
“The cool part of playing quarterback is that you are thrown into a leadership position whether you like it or not,” Kohl said. “My job is to get the best out of every teammate. When a QB can inspire and lead a group of men, that’s special.
“I’m going to give FIU everything I have. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.”