Athlon Sports has announced its 2026 Preseason All‑Conference USA football team, and the list reads like a who’s who of FIU talent. The Panthers saw fourteen of their own earn spots across the first through fourth teams, a testament to the program’s depth and ambition.
A Record‑Setting Honor Roll
The sheer volume of selections places FIU among the most represented schools in the conference’s preseason accolades. Five athletes secured First Team honors, while the remainder were distributed among the Second, Third, and Fourth Teams, reflecting both star power and valuable role players.
On the offensive side of the ball, Anthony Carrie earned a First Team slot, showcasing his prowess as a key playmaker. The defensive unit was equally celebrated, with Kenton Simmons, Josiah Taylor and Shamir Sterlin all receiving First Team recognition for their impact on the line and secondary.
Special teams also brought pride to the university, as Maguire Anderson was named to the First Team as a return specialist, highlighting his dynamic ability to change field position in an instant.
Spotlight on the Recognized Panthers
The honors extended beyond the first team. Antonio Tripp Jr. was the lone Panther placed on the Second Team, while seven athletes earned Third Team nods, including Jojo Stone, Greg Gaines III, Jackson Verdugo and Zaire Flournoy on offense.
Defensively, Dante Anderson, Jai‑Ayviauynn Celestine and Demetrius Hill joined the Third Team, further cementing the unit’s reputation for hard‑hitting play.
Rounding out the list, Daveion Harley received Fourth Team honors on offense, rounding the total count to fourteen and illustrating a balanced distribution of talent across the roster.
What This Means for the Upcoming Season
The preseason accolades not only spotlight individual excellence but also signal a collective expectation for the Panthers to contend strongly within Conference USA. With a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging stars, FIU’s coaching staff is poised to translate these recognitions into on‑field success.