Speedy Ford ‘Mustang’ highlights local contingent of FIU’s 2026 early signees

FIU football coach Willie Simmons now officially has a “gadget” player for 2026 – Jayden Ford from Miami Central High.

Ford, listed at 5-5 and 160 pounds, is the first of 21 recruits who signed with FIU on Wednesday, which marked the start of the early national signing period for prep football recruits.

Central coach Derrick Gibson calls Ford “Mustang” because of his speed as well as the play on words with the car company.

“We use him as a kick returner, punt returner, running back, slot receiver, everything,” Gibson said. “He has to touch the ball at least 20 times, or we lose.”

Added Simmons: “I don’t know why anyone ever kicks it to him. It seems like he scores every time.”

Of FIU’s 21 signees, 20 are from the high school ranks and one – tight end James Resar – is a junior-college transfer. Simmons indicated that two more junior-college players are expected to join this class before the early-signing period ends on Friday.

As it is, FIU loaded up at defensive back with seven recruits and at tight end with three signees. However, there was just one offensive lineman signed, Tampa’s Riley Wilson, and zero defensive linemen.

Two offensive linemen who had been listed as committed by 247 Sports – Orlando’s Sean Kentish and Tallahassee’s Kaleb Barnes – did not become a part of this class.

Two players who had not been listed by 247 Sports – Georgia safety Kiyante Ingram and Lakeland cornerback Cason Dash – signed with FIU on Wednesday.

In addition, FIU signed one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and three linebackers.

Simmons said “skill position” players – especially running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs – can make a quicker transition from high school to college. For that reason, Simmons indicated he often prefers getting linemen from the transfer portal because they are older and stronger and more ready to quickly compete at this level.

Big picture, Simmons said: “I’m excited about the overall balance of our class, offensively, defensively and at kicker. We don’t go by rankings, but we’re ranked first or second in Conference USA, depending on who you ask.”

Here is FIU’s list (by position and with hometown/state or high school):

QB: DJ Alexander, Georgia

RB: Jayden Ford, Miami Central, Justin Compere, Miami Carol City

WR: Malik Penson, Miami True North; Barrett Schulz, Lake Mary

TE: Ayden Passley, Jupiter; Davis Brown, North Carolina; James Resar, Kansas (junior college)

OT: Riley Wilson, Tampa

LB: Michael Smarts, Flanagan; De’andre Arnold, Madison County; Demitris Mincey, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

CB: Za’marion “Zay” West, Madison County; Cason Dash, Lakeland (Lake Gibson); Dominic Turnbull, Miami True North; Jahmani Chin-Suer, Sunrise Piper

S: Eric Johnson, Georgia; Jakari Johnson, Hollywood McArthur; Jaeden McMillan, Melbourne; Kiyante Ingram, Georgia

K: Noah Sidan, Chaminade-Madonna.