As FIU prepares for spring game, offense looks for leaders to emerge
Two transfers — quarterback JJ Kohl from Appalachian State and wide receiver Greg Gaines III out of Rhode Island — likely hold the keys to FIU’s offense in 2026.
With the annual Spring Game approaching on April 11, Kohl – who is 6-foot-7 — has an advantage in field vision, and he seems to have the requisite leadership skills and film-study dedication.
He is also productive. Last season, he passed for 1,465 yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Gaines, a 6-3, 205-pounder, was a backup for two years at Iowa State before breaking out last season with Rhode Island, catching 65 passes for 1,018 yards and four touchdowns.
He is the most experienced receiver on the Panthers roster with 27 starts during the past two years, and FIU offensive coordinator Nick Coleman told the Herald that Gaines now looks comfortable after a needed adjustment early in spring drills.
Gaines essentially replaces wide receiver Alex Perry, who transferred to Illinois after leading FIU last season in catches (56), reception yards (840) and reception touchdowns (nine).
Also at receiver, the Panthers return Kyle McNeal, Maguire Anderson, JoJo Stone, Eric Nelson and Tyson Carter.
McNeal was second on FIU last year with 31 catches, but he had just a 10.0 average and one TD. Anderson caught 25 passes (11.2 average, one TD).
The others also have thin resumes: Stone (23 catches, 11.8 average, 2 TDs); Nelson (eight catches, 15.6 average, 1 TD); and Carter (three catches, 10.7 average), but Coleman is optimistic.
“Kyle has come back with more strength, which gives him body armor,” Coleman said. “JoJo is playing with more confidence, and we’re expecting more from Eric in his second year in this offense.”
Coleman also mentioned redshirt freshman Amari Isaac as another young receiver to watch.
At running back, Kejon Owens set FIU’s single-season rushing record with 1,334 yards, but he graduated and is hoping to get picked in the NFL Draft.
Following Owens, there will likely be a large drop-off at the position … unless someone emerges from returners Anthony Carrie, Devonte Lyons and Sterling Joseph or true freshman Jayden Ford, a small-but-speedy type at 5-5 and 160 pounds.
Carrie, who rushed for 469 yards, a 4.6 average and five TDs, will get the first shot at running back. Lyons has rushed for 430 yards, a 5.4 average and three TDs in two years.
Joseph, at 5-9 and 195 pounds, is a wild card after he starred in just seven carries last year, rushing for 123 yards and two TDs. Could the former Miami Edison star emerge?
Tight end is another interesting position, especially after coach Willie Simmons has raved about the improved speed in this unit.
James Resar; a former quarterback and an Iowa transfer, is a great example of the added athleticism as he has run a blazing 10.6 in the 100 meters.
“He also has a lot of savvy with his quarterback background,” Coleman said of Resar, a 6-5, 230-pounder.
Freshman Ayden Passley (6-4, 215 pounds) is another tight end to watch. He played wide receiver at Jupiter High last year.
“His explosiveness is off the charts,” Coleman said. “But he’s still learning to play tight end.”
For more of a blocking option, there’s Rhode Island transfer Kevin Schaeffer, a 6-5, 245-pounder who is in his seventh college season.
Last season, Schaeffer had odd statistics at Rhode Island, catching just two passes … but for 58 yards and a pair of TDs.
“He’s 25 — he’s grown,” Coleman said of Schaeffer. “People think he’s a coach. He brings maturity.”
Jackson Verdugo (6-4, 245) is the lone key returner at tight end. He played 13 games as a true freshman last year, catching 10 passes for 101 yards and one TD. Coleman said Verdugo has added speed and muscle over the offseason.
However, the line is probably the biggest concern on FIU’s offense as four starters departed: left tackle Jaleel Davis and center Julius Pierce graduated; left guard Jaheim Buchanon transferred to Texas Christian; and right tackle Daniel Michel bolted for James Madison. Second-string tackle Mykeal Rabess also left, transferring to Cal.
On the positive side, right guard Antonio Tripp Jr. returns, and a pair of ex-backups move up —center Jon Rodriguez and left guard Zaire Flournoy. At right tackle, however, expected starter Miguel Cedeno is injured and likely won’t be able to start the season.
That leaves Jeremy Smith as the starting left tackle; and Oscar Colon and Manasseh Ripert battling at right tackle. Smith is a redshirt freshman from Miami Central who has yet to play college football; and Colon (Presbyterian) and Ripert (Western Carolina) are moving up from the FCS level.
“Our line this year is smaller,” Coleman said, “but we’re twitchier.”
If the line holds up and Kohl and Gaines are as good as advertised, the Panthers could be dangerous.
“We want to run the ball to set up our play-action passing,” Coleman said. “We want to be dynamic, creating explosive catch-and-run plays.”
