Return of QB Keyone Jenkins gives FIU hope as spring football begins

Quarterback Keyone Jenkins, as he puts it, “had intentions of trying to leave” FIU.

Fortunately for the Panthers – who have suffered through six straight losing seasons – Jenkins withdrew his name from the transfer portal after coach Willie Simmons was hired in December.

“Coach Willie texted me right before he got the job,” Jenkins said on Tuesday, minutes after the conclusion of FIU’s first spring football practice of 2025.

“I said, ‘OK Coach, I’ll stick around for a little bit,’ and I came to the conclusion that I would stay.”

Simmons said he was pleased with Jenkins’ decisiveness during Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m not worried about accuracy right now,” Simmons said. “I want to see good fundamentals and techniques, and he did that for the most part today.”

Jenkins, who has thrown 33 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions over the past two years, is one of only two starters returning on offense. The other is offensive lineman Jaheim Buchanon, who on Tuesday shared center and guard duties with two other experienced interior players: Julius Pierce (Middle Tennessee transfer) and Wyatt Lawson. FIU’s offensive line also features Antonio Tripp Jr., a Miami transfer.

The Panthers are in decent shape at running back with Devonte Lyons and Kejon Owens returning.

In addition, running back Ajay Allen, who had some bright moments for the Miami Hurricanes in 2024, is now with FIU, competing for a starting spot.

Allen, who describes himself as a versatile running back, ran for 183 yards, a 7.6 average and two TDs last season.

He clearly wants more carries.

“I just want a fair opportunity – a re-start,” Allen said when asked why he transferred to FIU. “I didn’t want to leave Florida, so I came here.”

Last year, Allen said he focused on pass protection.

“This year, I’ve got everything down pat,” said Allen, who started his career at Nebraska. “I’m ready for a breakout year.”

As for FIU’s defense, four starters return: linemen Keegan Davis and Quaylen Hill; linebacker Eddie Walls III; and cornerback Brian Blades II.

Overall, the Panthers have also added 36 new players – 22 freshmen and 14 transfers. According to 247 Sports, FIU’s freshmen class is ranked fifth in Conference USA, and the Panthers are rated fourth in the league in terms of their transfer additions.

Among other incoming transfers to watch on offense are 6-foot-5 wide receiver Alex Perry (Hawaii); and tight end Dallas Payne (UAB).

Safety Demetrius Hill -- who started for FIU, transferred to Illinois and is now back with the Panthers – is a transfer to watch on defense.

Also on defense, FIU added lineman Su Agunloye (Marshall); edge rushers Aaron Armitage (Stanford); Lamont Green Jr. and Dante Anderson (both from Florida State); linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr. (Colorado); cornerback Jai Ayviauynn Celestine (Arizona); and safety Websley Etienne (Arkansas State).

In addition, FIU added punter Trey Wilhoit (Florida A&M).

But FIU lost 13 starters to the transfer portal: wide receivers Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson (both to Georgia Tech; wide receiver Nazeviah Burris (Arkansas State); tight end Antonio Ferguson (UAB); offensive linemen JaDarious Lee (Kennesaw State); Naeer Jackson (Louisville); John Bock II (Tulane); and Travis Burke (Memphis); safeties JoJo Evans (Louisville) and CJ Christian (Washington); cornerback Hezekiah Masses (Cal); linebacker Travion Barnes (Baylor); and defensive lineman Marquez Tatum (no new school as yet).

In addition, starting running back Lexington Joseph and starting linebacker Elijah Anderson-Taylor graduated, and running back Shomari Lawrence, who led the team in rushing in 2023, transferred to Missouri State.

Tight end Rocky Beers, a starter in 2023 who was injured for most of 2024, transferred to Colorado State.

Several other depth players also transferred out, including quarterback Amari Jones (South Carolina State); wide receivers Ja’Coby Matthews (Alcorn State) and Mike Jackson (Florida Memorial); and long-snapper Jackson Lee (Florida Atlantic).

Kicker Chase Gabriel and punter Daton Montiel – both multi-year starters on special teams – must also be replaced.

Simmons, though, doesn’t seem worried.

“Everybody,” Simmons said when asked who impressed him on Tuesday. “I’m excited to have this opportunity.”