QB Keyone Jenkins leads transfer turnover for FIU
Keyone Jenkins’ FIU career appears to be over.
Jenkins, who has been the Panthers’ starting quarterback for most of the past three seasons, has put his name into the transfer portal. He could possibly return to FIU, but it is highly unlikely.
After leading Miami Central High to a 34-3 record and three state titles, Jenkins has struggled at the next level. FIU went 4-8 in each of his first two college seasons.
This past season, Jenkins went 4-5 as the starting quarterback, helping FIU get to its first bowl game since 2019. But Jenkins got hurt, and Joe Pesansky went 3-1 as the starting quarterback, saving FIU’s season.
Now, Pesansky is out of eligibility, and Jenkins is looking to transfer.
Via text, Jenkins confirmed to the Herald that he is in the portal, but he said “I don’t know yet” when asked about a potential new university.
FIU has three quarterbacks on its current roster — Clayton Dees, Christian Langford and incoming freshman DJ Alexander.
However, those players are young and lack starting experience at this level. For that reason, FIU will likely bring in at least one transfer quarterback.
One player FIU has shown interest in — according to a source — is Jacurri Brown, who is also being courted by Liberty.
Brown, a 6-4 and 220-pounder from Valdosta, Georgia, is an outstanding runner who has struggled at times as a passer with a career 57.4 completion percentage. Brown has thrown six touchdown throws and nine interceptions.
He started his career at Miami, playing eight games in 2022 and just one in 2023. He then played nine games for UCF in 2024 and three as a backup this past season.
Brown has started six games — three for Miami, including the 2023 Pinstripe Bowl, and three for UCF.
Beyond quarterback, FIU will also have to replace wide receiver Alex Perry, who has also entered the transfer portal. In 2025, Perry led FIU in receptions (56), receiving yards (840) and TD catches (nine).
The offensive line will have to be rebuilt as center Julius Pierce and left tackle Jaleel Davis graduated, and right tackle Daniel Michel and starting guards Antonio Tripp Jr. and Jaheim Buchanon entered the portal. Backup linemen Miguel Cedeno, who started FIU’s bowl game, and Mykeal Rabess are also set to transfer.
In addition, running back Kejon Owens – who broke FIU’s single-season rushing record and was named Conference USA’s Offensive Player of the Year — is out of eligibility.
FIU’s defense has also been hit hard by a combination of graduating players and the transfer portal.
On the line, Kenton Simmons has entered the portal, and the rest of the starters are out of eligibility, including Keegan Davis, whose relentless spirit led that unit.
At linebacker, leading tackler Johnny Chaney Jr. has graduated.
Safety Jessiah McGrew — who intercepted four passes as a true freshman — entered the transfer portal along with standout cornerbacks such as Mister Clark; Victor Evans III; and Ashton Levells.
Top cornerback Brian Blades II graduated, and special teams will have a new look, as well.
So, who is returning for FIU?
Well, the most important returnee is probably coach Willie Simmons, who was an instant hit in his first year at FIU, leading the Panthers to a 7-6 record.
Simmons, who was recently rewarded with a raise and an extra year in his contract, will earn that extra cash as he and his staff will now spend countless hours researching potential new players, convincing them to visit campus and ultimately to play for the Panthers.