FIU football in danger of losing wide receiver recruits due to coaching change

With less than 48 hours left before college football’s early-signing date begins, FIU’s recruiting class is in jeopardy.

Here’s why: On Sunday, FIU fired coach Mike MacIntyre. Defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt is now the interim coach.

According to 247 Sports, the Panthers have 12 players committed for the Class of 2025, but how many of them will actually sign on Wednesday remains to be seen.

For example, wide receivers such as Kenny Williams of Gulliver Prep and Tyson Carter of Orlando Edgewater have indicated that they may not stay with FIU.

Both players were recruited by MacIntyre’s son, FIU wide receivers coach Jay MacIntyre, who is now looking for a new job.

Over the past two years, Jay MacIntyre coached two wide receivers who broke the school record for receiving yards – Kris Mitchell in 2023 and Eric Rivers in 2024.

Williams, meanwhile, said he was “shocked” by the MacIntyre firing.

“I didn’t see this coming,” Williams said. “I saw how many receivers Coach Jay has developed, breaking records every year.

“That attracted me to FIU. Now I’m waiting to see (Jay’s) next move and also waiting to see who (FIU hires) as head coach.”

Due to the uncertainty, Williams said he may wait until the regular signing period begins in February. He also had offers from West Virginia; South Florida; Appalachian State; James Madison and Bethune Cookman.

Williams, listed at 5-9 and 160 pounds, caught 52 passes for 839 yards this year. In college, he is projected to play slot receiver.

Carter, listed at 5-10 and 160 pounds, said he is still deciding whether to stick with FIU or re-open his recruitment.

“I knew there was a chance (MacIntyre would get fired), but I was hoping it wouldn’t happen,” Carter said. “(The FIU coaches) are a bunch of good coaches. There was a reason why I wanted to go to school with those coaches.

“This is unfortunate for me.”

In 2024, Carter had 30 catches for 636 yards, a 21.2 average and seven TDs as Edgewater finished 10-2, losing in the second round of the playoffs, 28-17, to Tampa Bay Tech.

If FIU doesn’t work out for Carter, he has another plan.

“Jay (MacIntyre) is the main reason I was going to FIU,” Carter said. “I am hoping he can find a place, and maybe I could follow him.”

FIU also has a commitment from Miami Edison running back Sterling Joseph. His brother is FIU running back Lexington “Flex” Joseph, who this year completed his college football eligibility.

Recruiting expert Larry Blustein said Sterling Joseph “is quick and elusive and could play slot receiver.”

Hollywood Hills wide receiver Amari Isaac is another FIU recruit.

“Not enough people have seen him play,” Blustein said, “but he’s a a major steal.”

South Broward’s 6-5, 210-pound tight end Sean Burke has committed to FIU, where his brother, Travis Burke was the left tackle this past season.

FIU has three offensive linemen listed as part of this class: Miami Central’s Jeremy Smith; Palm Beach Central’s Michael Dean; and Cardinal Newman’s Dylan Frechette.

Blustein said Frechette is the top lineman among that trio.

On defense, FIU’s tentative list of recruits include: edge rushers Richard Scott III (St. Thomas Aquinas) and Matthew Pointer (Chaminade); linebacker Cameron Davis (Ely); and safeties Kelvin Reyes (West Broward) and Lorenzo Smith (Mississippi).

But because the interim coach is Dewitt, FIU’s defensive recruits seem more secure than their counterparts on offense.

Reyes, for example, said he heard from FIU safeties coach Nate Taye on Sunday.

“As of now, I’m 100 percent loyal,” said Reyes, who intercepted two passes in seven games this season. “But you never know what happens when a coach gets fired.”