Five takeaways regarding Willie Simmons’ first recruiting class at FIU

FIU coach Willie Simmons, who added 21 football players to his 2026 roster on Wednesday, is waiting to add two junior-college transfers at any point until Friday’s close of the early signing period.

In addition, Simmons said there are some unsigned and yet talented high school seniors who may be in play for the Panthers.

“These are players waiting to see if bigger schools will come,” Simmons said. “We’ve made contact. They are intrigued, and we may have a ‘splash’ signee.”

After this week, FIU’s personnel department will start focusing on the transfer portal, which will open in early January.

Here are your five recruiting-related takeaways:

1. SAFETY FIRST

Jaeden McMillan, a 5-11 and 180-pound two-way player from Melbourne, is a three-star recruit and FIU’s highest-rated player.

As a senior this year, McMillan played wide receiver (54 catches, 787 yards, 14.6 average, 10 touchdowns) and defensive back (four interceptions, 118 return yards).

However, Simmons said playing both ways in college is too tough, adding that McMillan will likely start his career as a safety.

“(Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner) Travis Hunter made everyone think playing both ways is easy,” Simmons said. “It’s not.”

2. THANKS, MICHEL

Simmons said the most underrated part of official visits is the role played by players on his current roster who “host” prospective recruits.

Lots of players handle this role, but none – according to Simmons – any better than offensive tackle Daniel Michel.

“He did an amazing job,” Simmons said. “He’s always willing to host, and not just for players at his position.”

Simmons said that recruits get a tour of FIU’s campus, meet with coaches and academic advisors, among other details.

“But in the evening, we turn recruits loose with their hosts,” Simmons said. “That’s when the recruit can ask their host things like, ‘Coach Simmons seems cool, but how is it to play for him? Or, (offensive line coach) Edwin Pata seems intense. How is he as a coach?’

“Our players spend about 48 hours with the recruits. They have in-depth conversations. They exchange numbers and keep in touch.”

3. HEAVY HITTERS

The Panthers are thrilled to sign linebacker Demitris Mincey Jr., who had a huge year for Dillard High – 96 tackles, 33 stops for losses and nine sacks.

De’andre Arnold, a linebacker from Madison High, is another standout. He had 114 tackles, 15 of them for losses; and seven sacks.

“These are two guys who love football,” Simmons said. “Speed is our super power, and both of these guys can run and hit.”

Mincey (6-1, 200 pounds) and Arnold (5-11, 190) will need to get bigger and stronger. In the meantime, they will help on special teams and provide depth at linebacker.

4. LEGACY RECRUIT

Dominic Turnbull, a 6-2 and 175-pound cornerback from Miami’s True North, is the son of ex-FIU defensive back Nick Turnbull. In 2005, Nick led FIU in passes defended with nine, and he also picked off two passes and returned a fumble 73 yards for a touchdown. For his career, he intercepted 16 passes, which is still an FIU record.

“We want to see if Dominic can build on (his father’s) legacy,” Simmons said. “The family lives just 10 minutes from campus. They will be at every game, and Nick will probably be at every practice.”

5. KEEPING TRACK

Simmons appreciates track athletes, and here’s why:

Football players rarely run the 40-yard dash anymore, according to Simmons, who therefore peruses track times to figure out who has true speed.

“You can’t go by a player’s profile because every kid says he runs a 4.4,” Simmons said. “When I was in high school, I listed myself as 6-2 and 190 pounds. I gave myself 2½ inches and 25 pounds.”