MIAMI — FIU's football program received a total of 14 All-Conference USA (CUSA) honors, as announced by the league office on Thursday. 
 
Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, in the first season under head Coach Willie Simmons, FIU received a record haul of selections to the All-Conference teams. The Panthers' All-CUSA selections are headlined by Kejon Owens, who was named Offensive Player of the Year, the first-ever FIU player to earn Offensive Player of the Year in the CUSA era. 
 
In total, FIU had four First Team and five Second Team honorees along with two Honorable Mention and two All-Freshman recipients. Four First Teamers and Five Second Teamers are both the most in program history in the CUSA era (since 2013). 
 
Owens produced the best running back season ever at FIU in his senior season, racking up a school-record 1,298 yards on the ground, seventh-most nationally. He also found the end zone 11 times, third-most in school history, and averaged 6.33 yards per carry, rushing for 100-plus yards in five games. The Miami Central prep was named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week twice following standout performances in wins over Fla. Atlantic and Western Kentucky. 'KJ' currently ranks second all-time in career rushing yards (2,226) and is tied-third in career rushing TDs with 22.
 
Alex Perry, a newcomer this season, joins Owens on the First Team Offensive squad following an incredible close to his junior campaign. Perry scored touchdowns in five consecutive weeks to end the regular season and totaled 816 yards and nine touchdowns overall. The Port Charlotte, Fla. native led CUSA in receiving yards (706) and receiving TDs (8) in conference play. His nine receiving TDs are tied second-most in a season in program history while his 816 receiving yards are 11th-most in a season.
 
Johnny Chaney Jr. anchored the middle of FIU's defense from his linebacker position all season long, earning First Team honors on the defensive side. The Apopka, Fla. native reunited with Simmons, having previously spent time together at Florida A&M, and racked up a team-high 100 total tackles. 'Chainsaw' also had two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 6.5 total tackles for loss. His 8.9 tackles per game in league play ranked fourth-best among all players. Additionally, he was the only CUSA defensive player with 100+ tackles and 2.0 or more sacks. 
 
Mister Clark, also a First Teamer on defense, showed his ability as a lockdown defender in his sophomore season with an impressive 1.33 passes defended per game, fourth-most in the nation and tops in CUSA. Clark was also the fourth-leading tackler on the Panthers from his defensive back position, totaling 63.0 tackles, 6.5 for loss. The Carol City prep totaled 13 pass breakups and three interceptions, primarily in the nickel position in the secondary. 
 
On the Second Team Offense, the Panthers had two offensive lineman selected as All-CUSA honorees. Julius Pierce and Jaheim Buchanon were both honored for their outstanding play this season as they were part of a group which helped FIU rack up 2,282 rushing yards, third-most in a season in program history. Pierce, a senior from Sanford, Fla., made his return to FIU for his final collegiate season and was an integral part of a much-improved offensive line. 
 
Buchanon, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. native, also played a pivotal role on the Offensive Line this season as the Panthers had the second-ranked rushing offense in CUSA in yards per carry (5.0). FlU's line also surrendered just 12 sacks in conference play, fourth-best in the league. Buchanon is the eight-best lineman in CUSA, as rated by PFF. 
 
On defense, the Panthers had three Second Team honorees, both defensive ends Keegan Davis and Kenton Simmons along with star freshman safety Jessiah McGrew. 
 
Davis, a senior from Port St. Lucie, Fla., shined in his final collegiate season, setting career-highs in sacks and tackles for loss. His 5.5 sacks ranked tied-fourth in CUSA and he registered two games with multiple sacks. The Treasure Coast prep produced a dominant effort in FIU's game against UConn with 2.0 sacks, five total tackles and a forced fumble.
 
Simmons made an instant impact in his first season, coming to FIU from Butler Community College. The Jackson, Miss. native racked up 6.0 sacks, tied-second most in CUSA, and had eight total tackles for loss.  He had at least one sack in four of FIU's final five games, of which the Panthers ripped off a four-game win streak to close out the 2025 campaign. Simmons also had nine QB hurries and two pass breakups. 
 
McGrew, a true freshman from Tallahassee, electrified Panther Nation from the jump with a freshman-record four interceptions. The FSU University School prep racked up 68 tackles and five pass breakups to go along with his four INTs. He had three games with nine or more tackles and six games with six or more tackles. McGrew earned Defensive Player of the Week following his two interceptions in a huge road win for the Panthers against WKU. He was also named to the CUSA All-Freshman team. 
 
Rounding out the Panther All-CUSA selections as Honorable Mention members are Brian Blades II and Shamir Sterlin. 
 
Blades II provided elite coverage in the secondary for the Panthers in his senior season. The American Heritage prep had 26 tackles in 10 games for FIU. He forced a fumble against Missouri State and had one interception and two pass breakups in the Panthers' win over Middle Tennessee. 
 
Sterlin, a Port St. Lucie, Fla. native, was fifth on FIU with 60.0 tackles in 11 games. The Treasure Coast prep had two interceptions on the season, four pass breakups and 2.5 tackles for loss. He was named CUSA Freshman of the Week following a seven tackle and one interception performance in FIU's win over Fla. Atlantic. Sterlin also earned All-Freshman honors. 
 
BOWL BOUND
Led by first-year head coach Willie Simmons and our talented student-athletes, coaches and staff, the Panthers are set to represent FIU on a national stage. Bowl specifics will be announced in the coming weeks, and we will share ticket, travel and celebration information as it becomes finalized.
 
In the meantime, please complete the short interest form so you do not miss any communication regarding bowl information, game tickets, travel packages, alumni tailgate and more events. Additionally, bookmark FIUSports.com/Bowl for all your postseason information.
 
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