When Willie Simmons was announced as the new head football coach at Florida International University, there was a feeling that things could be different.
With his many ties to the state of Florida and the fact that he loaded his coaching staff with names that many players, coaches and fans were familiar with, it was a given that recruiting would certainly pick up - and it has.
With an emphasis on blanketing south Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward in particular, the 2026 recruiting class has certainly turned heads throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
While recruiting is the entire lifeline to any football programs, FIU and Coach Simmons made sure that the people he had out in the field watching prospects were coaches that were highly respected by football fans throughout the community.
With locals Frank Ponce, Anthony Gaitor, Jelani Berassa, Benedick Hyppolite, Edwin Pata and longtime assistant Jovan Dewitt, the Panthers had a core of assistant coaches that have made a huge impact.
With a solid camp season, it opened some eyes to those players and their coaches that had not shown interest in the program before.
Taking nothing away from the previous regimes who carved out their own path, this group has been non-stop since taking over and it has shown with the 2026 recruiting class locally.
Among the local players who have made their commitment in this class include Miami Central running back Jayden Ford (5’6, 160), who is regarded as one of the best in the state.
Ford, who will be coached by Derrick Gibson in 2025, is quick and explosive, and when healthy he is as good as you get.
In Miami True North Classical Academy receiver Malik Penson (5’10, 176), the Panthers are getting a big-time prospect with plenty of high-level experience, playing against some of the best prospects in the nation.
He will be coached by Greg Laffere with the Titans.
In big Jordan Davis (OL, 6’4, 330) from Hollywood McArthur, this program is getting a standout prospect that has improved so much over the past two years as he heads into his final year.
He is strong, agile and continues to get better technically. He has a chance to be special.
Miami Carol City running back Justin Compere (5’11, 180) was recruited by a number of Group of Five schools over the past year.
He is quick, instinctive and elusive and will be special for head coach George Stubbs and the Chiefs this coming season. Along with Ford, it gives this program a huge 1,2 punch at the position.
Safety Jakari Johnson (6’0, 190) is another quality talent who comes in from Plantation and will play for first year head coach Robert Ortega this coming season for the Mustangs.
Perhaps the best kept secret so far in this class is Pembroke Pines Flanagan Edge prospects Michael Smarts. The 6’5, 230-pounder was looked at in the spring by a number of Power 4 programs because he is long, quick and has a huge upside.
Smart is playing his first season for head coach Benjamin Rolle and the Falcons after competing for former NFL standout Tyrus McCloud at Davie Nova the past two seasons.
He is someone that before this year very few people had watched play – and it turned out to be a plus for FIU.
Another elite prospect who has been on the radar for over a year is Sunrise Piper cornerback Jahmani Chin-Suer (5’10,160).
A catalyst for head coach Quentin Short and the district champion Bengals in 2025.
Playing for his father at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, gifted Dimitris Mincey Jr. became the latest commitment for this program over this past weekend.
This is another way under-the-radar talent, who can play multiple positions at 6’1, 205. He is also an exceptional student (3.6 GPA) in the classroom.
With all the talent that is aboard so far, perhaps the biggest commitment didn’t come from an offensive or defensive difference maker.
With dozens of major college programs keeping their eye on Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna kicker Noah Sidan, he pulled the ultimate surprise when he committed to FIU.
This is a proven kicker with a strong and accurate leg and was rated as one of the best in the country.
With several other commits in this class from Florida and around the country, there is a strong feeling that the Panthers and Coach Simmons are not finished filling out this class with game-changers!
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..