MIAMI – FIU football had 15 student-athletes recognized on the renowned Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference USA (CUSA) Teams.
The Panthers had six players selected to the First Team, three on the Second Team, four on the Third Team and two on the Fourth Team.
Tight end James Resar, offensive lineman Antonio Tripp Jr., defensive lineman Kenton Simmons, linebacker Josiah Taylor, punt returner Maguire Anderson and long snapper Justin Wood also garnered First Team honors.
Offensive lineman Zaire Flournoy, cornerback Lawrence Johnson and safety Shamir Sterlin earned Second Team nods. A trio on offense consisting of running back Anthony Carrie and wide receivers JoJo Stone and Greg Gaines were named to the Third Team, while defensive end Dante Anderson also earned Third Team recognition.
Defensive lineman Germaine Carter and linebacker Percy Courtney rounded out FIU's selections on the Fourth Team.
Resar is expected to be a key contributor in the tight end room after transferring from Iowa. Known for his physicality and athleticism, he adds experience and versatility to the Panthers' offense.
Tripp Jr. appeared in 12 games during the 2025 campaign and returns as one of the veteran leaders along the offensive line. Simmons was a force on the defensive front last season, earning All-CUSA Second Team honors after playing in all 13 games. He led Conference USA with six sacks and recorded 24 total tackles, including eight tackles for loss.
Taylor enters his junior season poised for a breakout campaign. The Sebring, Fla., native finished second on the team with 76 total tackles in 2025 while appearing in all 13 games. He has played in all 25 games of his FIU career.
On special teams, Anderson returns after an impressive 2025 season in which he accumulated 149 punt return yards. He capped the year with a 97-yard punt return touchdown against UTSA in the First Responders Bowl, tying FIU's single-game record while setting both a bowl game and Conference USA record. Wood also returns after appearing in all 13 games as FIU's long snapper.
Flournoy is expected to anchor the offensive line as a redshirt senior after starting all 13 games in 2025 and bringing extensive collegiate experience to the unit. Johnson enters his first season in the Blue & Gold after transferring from Florida Atlantic, where he appeared in eight games and totaled 10 tackles. A Miami native, he returns to the 305 looking to make an immediate impact.
Sterlin is poised for a strong redshirt sophomore campaign after earning Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors in 2025. He appeared in 12 games, recording 65 tackles and two interceptions while finishing fourth on the team in total tackles.
Carrie is expected to play a major role in FIU's backfield after appearing in all 13 games last season. The redshirt junior rushed for 469 yards and five touchdowns, ranking second on the team in both categories.
Stone looks to build on a promising 2025 campaign in which he appeared in all 13 games and recorded 272 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 23 receptions.
Gaines arrives at FIU following a standout season at Rhode Island, where he totaled 1,018 receiving yards and four touchdowns while earning All-Conference honors after appearing in all 14 games.
On the defensive side, Anderson brings valuable veteran experience after playing in all 13 games in 2025. He led the team with three forced fumbles and added a fumble recovery.
Carter enters an important junior season after appearing in all 13 games last year and finishing with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Courtney rounds out the list after recording 41 tackles, one forced fumble, one sack and seven tackles for loss during the 2025 season. The linebacker enters his fifth season with the Panthers carrying significant experience and preseason recognition.
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