A projected FIU football depth chart following the end of spring practices
Now that FIU’s football team has concluded spring practices for 2025, here’s our guess at how the depth chart looks, based on multiple conversations with coach Willie Simmons and his assistants.
▪ Quarterback: Keyone Jenkins is the clear starter. Clayton Dees appears to have moved past Chayden Peery as the backup, and freshman Christian Langford enters the battle with much hype this fall.
▪ Running back: Ajay Allen; Kejon Owens; and Devonte Lyons form FIU’s big three. Freshman Sterling Joseph will bring added speed when he arrives this fall.
▪ Wide receiver: Alex Perry could lead the team in receptions as the Hawaii transfer is a big target at 6-5. Eric Nelson Jr. and Kyle McNeal are the other likely starters. Luby Maurice Jr. Shaborne Demps and Ross Fournet could find work in the slot. JuJu Lewis, injured all spring, could be a factor in the fall.
▪ Tight end: This position is open with Jackson Verdugo; Braiden Staten; Sean Burke; and Antoine Cobb battling this spring. UAB transfer Dallas Payne missed most of the spring due to injury.
▪ Offensive tackle: Julius Pierce, normally a center, has been shifted here due to the need. Other tackles to watch: Daniel Michel; Mykeal Rabess; and Jackson Schultze.
▪ Offensive guard: Miami transfer Antonio Tripp Jr. and returning starter Jaheim Buchanon could make a solid duo.
▪ Center: Wyatt Lawson starts, and Jon Rodriguez could be the backup, although Pierce and Buchanon have center experience.
▪ Defensive end: Keegan Davis is the star of this unit due to his all-out effort. The other starting spot could be a battle between Florida State transfers Lamont Green and Dante Anderson as well as Steven Shannon; Toddrick Brewton; and Nick Watson.
Pass-rushers such as Eddie Walls III; Aaron Armitage and Claude Larkins missed the entire spring due to injuries. But they are expected back in the fall.
▪ Defensive tackle: FIU is looking for a run-stopper here, and that could be 5-11, 315-pounder Quaylen Hill. Olasunkonmi Agunloye, a 6-6, 295-pound transfer from Marshall, has also impressed. Other d-tackles to watch include Germaine Carter and Cole Gustafson.
▪ Linebacker: FIU lost its top two tacklers from last season: Travion Barnes and Elijah Anderson-Taylor, who combined for 223 stops in 2024. Percy Courtney Jr. is the new leader of the unit. Colorado transfer Johnny Chaney Jr. is a hard hitter. Josiah Taylor is much improved; and Dwight Nunoo will get a shot.
▪ Cornerback: Brian Blades II is FIU’s top corner, and Victor Evans III is coming off a two-interception Spring Game. Ashton Levells, a 6-1 junior-college transfer, is in the hunt. Arizona transfer Jai-Ayviauynn has made an impact this spring. Mister Clark and Preston Thompson will get a chance to play slot corner.
▪ Safety: This is FIU’s most-loaded defensive position as Demetrius Hill and Websley Etienne both have tons of starting experience, and Shamir Sterlin was one of the stars of the spring. Other safeties to watch are Antonio Patterson; Bobby Salla Jr.; Landon Hale; and Jamari Holliman.
▪ Kicker: UAB transfer Noah Grant will have a lot to prove this fall. Robert Czeremcha is the backup.
▪ Punter: Florida A&M transfer Trey Wilhoit had a strong spring. Stone Springman is the backup.
▪ Kick returner: C’Quan Jnopierre averaged 28.3 yards on 19 kick returns for FIU last season.