FIU football recruiting class moves up to No. 2 in Conference USA

With some late additions ahead of National Signing Day on Wednesday, FIU’s football recruiting Class of 2026 has moved up from third to second in Conference USA, according to 247 Sports rankings.

FIU’s class, ranked No. 81 nationally, has moved ahead of Liberty. Only Western Kentucky, at No. 76, ranks ahead of FIU among C-USA programs. Overall, FIU’s class is ranked ahead of Power Four programs such as UCF, Virginia and Colorado.

Among FIU’s most recent commitments are wide receiver/defensive back Jaeden McMillan, who is from Melbourne; and tight end James Resar, who is from a junior college in Kansas.

McMillan, who is FIU’s highest-rated player, caught 54 passes this season for 787 yards, a 14.6 average and 10 touchdowns in nine games. On defense, he intercepted four passes, and he also ran track and played basketball.

Overall, FIU has commitments from 21 recruits, but that’s not binding until or less a player signs.

The Panthers have fortified their ranks at every position except offensive line (just three) and defensive line (only one).

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

QB: DJ Alexander, Douglasville, Georgia; RB: Jayden Ford, Miami Central; Justin Compere, Miami Carol City; WR: Malik Penson, Miami True North; Barrett Schulz, Lake Mary; Jaeden McMillan, Melbourne; TE: Ayden Passley, Jupiter; Davis Brown, Rolesville, N.C.; James Resar, Kansas (junior college); OG/C: Sean Kentish, Orlando; Kaleb Barnes, Tallahassee; OT: Riley Wilson, Tampa; DE: Michael Smarts, Flanagan; LB: De’Andre Arnold, Madison County; LB: Demitris Mincey, Fort Lauderdale Dillard; CB: Za’marion West, Madison County; Dominic Turnbull, Miami True North; Jahmani Chin-Suer, Fort Lauderdale Piper; S: Eric Johnson, Loganville, Georgia; Jakari Johnson, Hollywood McArthur; K: Noah Sidan, Chaminade-Madonna.