MIAMI — FIU football's standout defensive back Jessiah McGrew was named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America Team, as announced on Wednesday afternoon. 

McGrew, a star safety for the Panthers, nabbed an FIU freshman record four interceptions during the 2025 campaign. 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 CUSA Defensive Player of the Week following his two interceptions in a huge road win for the Panthers against WKU. He was named Second Team All-CUSA and to the CUSA All-Freshman Team. 

The Tallahassee, Fla. native is the sole member of the Freshman All-America Team from the Group of Five on defense and is only 1-of-4 Group of Five student-athletes represented. 

McGrew joins Demetrius Hill (2022) and T.Y. Hilton (2008) as the third-ever Panther to be named Freshman All-American from the FWAA.  

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