Transfers Olasunkonmi Agunloye and Antonio Tripp Jr. helping FIU in the trenches

Wealth and riches draw to me.

That’s what the first name of FIU defensive tackle Olasunkonmi Agunloye means in Nigeria, where his parents were born.

Agunloye is from Long Island in New York, and the 6-6, 305-pounder is one of the main reasons why FIU is optimistic about its defense as the August 29 season-opening game against Bethune Cookman inches closer.

For starters, Agunloye is 23 -- older than most of his teammates. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Virginia. At FIU, he is hoping to get into a Master’s program in International Business.

This is Agunloye’s sixth year in college football after playing four seasons with the Cavaliers and then one at Marshall, where he battled injuries to both knees.

But even though Agunloye is experienced, he has been a career backup … until now. Agunloye is expected to start next to fellow defensive tackle Quaylen Hill.

So far, Agunloye’s career highlights include a sack and a recovered fumble on a punt against Tennessee in 2023; a sack and a tackle for loss against North Carolina in 2022; and a fumble recovery against Virginia Tech in 2021.

At FIU, Agunloye has taken a leadership role.

“Because of my age, the guys ask me about my experiences,” Agunloye said. “I tell them about my mistakes, and I hope they don’t do the same things wrong.”

TRIPP TO FIU

The Panthers may have gotten a steal in Antonio Tripp Jr., a 6-4, 310-pound redshirt sophomore who appears set to be their starting right guard.

Tripp, a native of Baltimore, played his high school ball at IMG, earning four-star-recruit status from ESPN and 247 Sports. He signed with Miami, but he couldn’t get into the rotation, playing just one game in two years.

So, Tripp entered the transfer portal, and FIU was his choice, which was made easier when the Panthers hired former Hurricanes assistant Edwin Pata as their offensive line coach.

“I’ve known coach Pata since I was 16 years old,” Tripp said. “He was my main recruiter to UM.”

With Tripp in place, the rest of FIU’s offensive line appears to be set with Jaleel Davis at left tackle; Jaheim Buchanon at left guard; Julius Pierce at center; and Daniel Michel at right tackle.

Only Buchanon and Pierce have extensive starting experience in college.

As for Tripp, he said the following about his game: “I’m not the tallest, the biggest or the quickest. But I’m not going to give up. I love goal-line plays. I love to hit. I’m a gritty guy.”

THIS AND THAT

FIU cornerback Brian Blades II said the only player on the team faster than him is freshman wide receiver Tyson Carter, a three-star recruit from Orlando Edgewater.

This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 11:56 AM.