As we get closer to the start of the college football season, two players for the FIU Panthers are getting big-time recognition. Quarterback Keyone Jenkins has been named the 2025 CUSA Preseason Offensive Player Of The Year. Wide receiver and kick returner C’Quan Jnopierre has been named the 2025 CUSA Preseason Special Teams Player Of The Year.
This is the first time FIU has earned CUSA Preseason Player Of The Year awards while members of Conference USA. The last time an offensive player took home the award was none other than TY Hilton while the Panthers were members of the Sun Belt.
Both players are entering the season with high expectations. Jnopeirre is already a member of the All-CUSA Preseason First Team for Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. Jenkins is on the Second Team for both platforms.
Looking To Prove CUSA Correct
Keyone Jenkins has brought stability to the QB room at FIU. For the past two seasons, he has had control over the offense, and nothing has changed under head coach Willie Simmons. In 2024, he started in every game, although he missed some due to minor injuries, playing primarily as a result.
He was consistent, completing 188 passes for 2,557 yards, 22 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Aside from being accurate, he can excel in scrambling from the pocket, recording 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Lyghtz was first in CUSA and 19th nationally in passing efficiency. In almost every major stat within FIU quarterbacks, he’s top six or above.
Why did @FIUFootball quarterback Keyone Jenkins enter the transfer portal and eventually withdraw his name?
He answers that in our latest episode of the pod
full video: https://t.co/CzGTDl6IdN#FIU #PawsUp #Panthers pic.twitter.com/CmowiRHlpQ
— Paws Up Podcast (@PawsUpPodcast) January 11, 2025
Jenkins entered the transfer portal following last season but withdrew his name not long after. Now, he’ll have a different-looking receiver room with his top two targets, Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson, transferring out. He also has a new offensive coordinator calling the shots with Nick Coleman.
Meanwhile, C’Quan Jnopierre burst onto the scene in 2024 for the Panthers after transferring from St. Thomas University. He was one of their main weapons for field positioning, averaging 28.3 yards per return with a long of 55. That’s the third most in the nation. His efforts earned him Second Team All-CUSA honors.
This nice play by C'Quan Jnopierre wasn't enough to carry on the drive as both defenses have controlled the line of scrimmage so far.
WHITE – 2
NAVY – 0#FIU | #Panthers | #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/U9zI39es9r— Paws Up Podcast (@PawsUpPodcast) April 5, 2025
He saw limited time on the field in 2024 on offense. Still, he recorded 71 receiving yards on 10 receptions alongside seven rushing yards. We’ll see if he gets utilized more on offense this season, but the eyes of CUSA will be on what he’s able to do when the ball is kicked his way.
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