Checking In On the 2026 Signing Class For FIU Football

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While FIU Football is gearing up for the 2025 season, it doesn’t hurt to look ahead. Head coach Willie Simmons and the coaching staff are already looking to bolster their roster for FIU Football in 2026, with key additions to offense and defense.

Currently, seven players are locked into FIU in 2026, with six on offense and one on defense. Six of them are also natives to Florida, as per Coach Simmons’ objective of keeping talent IN the state of Florida.

DJ ALEXANDER – QUARTERBACK – NEW MANCHESTER

DJ Alexander is the lone player from this list who’s not from Florida. He resides in Douglasville, Georgia, and played high school football at New Manchester.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed!" Proverbs 16:3

"TRUST THE PROCESS!" @raisingchamps_ @NewManchesterFB @FIUFootball @HCWillieSimmons

Locked In for my Official Visit to FIU! (June 13-15)🔥🏈✝️ pic.twitter.com/qC6m34umxj

— D J ALEXANDER (@DJALEXANDER1102) April 1, 2025

The 6-3, 195-pound passer only had one other DI offer, from the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. He’s also the second-straight QB to join FIU from the Peach State, following in Christian Langford’s footsteps.

JAYDEN FORD – RUNNING BACK – MIAMI CENTRAL

Jayden Ford is one of two running backs to commit to the Panthers for now. FIU certainly has a thing for bringing in talent from Miami Central, including none other than Keyone Jenkins.

In two seasons at Miami Central, he racked up 910 yards and 12 touchdowns, including three 100-yard games. He also had in-state offers from Florida Atlantic, Bethune-Cookman, and Florida A&M.

JUSTIN COMPERE – RUNNING BACK – CAROL CITY

According to 247Sports, three-star running back Justin Compere is ranked in the top 100 running backs in the class of 2026.

I want to thank FIU for having me this weekend on an OFFICIAL VISIT‼️‼️ @HCWillieSimmons @CoachDub305 @FIUFootball pic.twitter.com/TEZxpwK39w

— Justin Compere (@CompereJustin) June 9, 2025

Originally from Immokalee, Compere transferred to Carol City for his junior season. In that season, he ran for 873 yards and five touchdowns. Compre held similar offers to Ford with the additions of the USF Bulls and Tulane Green Wave.

MALIK PENSON – WIDE RECEIVER – TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Malik Penson is one of the earlier commits on this list, making his 2026 commitment to FIU Football known back in January. The three-star wide receiver is entering his senior season at True North Classical Academy.

Penson got reps as a receiver, running back, and quarterback at Homestead, but is transferring for his senior season. He was also solid at track & field, being a district champion in both the 200 and 400-meter dashes.

SEAN KENTISH – OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – THE FIRST ACADEMY

Sean Kentish is a 6-3, 305-pound three-star lineman from The First Academy, based in Orlando. He’s a multi-sport athlete like Penson, as he competed in the shot put.

Thank you @FIUFootball for a wonderful official visit weeknd! Can’t wait to be back 🐾🐾!! @HCWillieSimmons @_KDFletcher @CoachEdPata @chadmavety55 @JeffConawayTFA @CoachBroomfield @trenchmenAC @CoachChris_TFA @DvoMonty pic.twitter.com/bpE15PEbU7

— Sean Kentish (@Sean_Kentish) June 9, 2025

His other offers aside from FIU include Conference USA opponent Liberty alongside Georgia State and Rhode Island. This past season, he started at the right tackle position, so it’s likely he’ll continue that with the Panthers.

JORDAN DAVIS – OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – MCARTHUR

Jordan Davis is transferring to McArthur for his senior season after spending 2024 with Northwestern. The 6-3, 305-pound lineman started games as their center.

Being a three-star rated lineman according to 247Sports, he’s had 11 offers. This includes a few P4 teams – Maryland, Nebraska, and NC State, along with another CUSA member – Western Kentucky.

JAKARI JOHNSON – SAFETY – MCARTHUR

Currently, Jakari Johnson is the lone defensive commit for the Panthers. In his junior season at Plantation, the three-star safety posted 54 total tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Now, he joins Davis at McArthur in his senior season.

First I wanna thank the man above and second I wanna thank @FIUFootball @FIUFBRecruiting for a wonderful official visit weekend!! Can’t wait to be back home🐾🐾! @_KDFletcher @HCWillieSimmons @KennethGilstrap @CoachDub305 @Mcarthur_FB @chop_ortega @DBs__Only pic.twitter.com/JvGomOp2u8

— Jakari Johnson (@jakarijohnson_) June 9, 2025

While Kentish got an offer from Liberty, and Davis got one from WKU, Johnson had BOTH the Flames and Hilltoppers hit him up. He also received an offer from the Pitt Panthers of the ACC, but chose the FIU Panthers of the 305.

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