DALLAS — In advance of the upcoming Conference USA (CUSA) Kickoff next week, FIU football's five selections to the league's Preseason Watchlist were announced on Thursday afternoon.
Wide receiver Kyle McNeal and offensive lineman Antonio Tripp Jr. earned nods as FIU's offensive representatives while defensive lineman Kenton Simmons and defensive back Shamir Sterlin were selected as the Panthers' defensive representatives. On special teams, Maguire Anderson, who returns both kicks and punts, received this honor.
McNeal, a junior wideout from Riviera Beach, racked up 310 yards on 31 catches in his sophomore season as a Panther. Starting in 10 games, he produced a career-high 58 receiving yards and five catches in FIU's win over Middle Tennessee on Nov. 8. McNeal continued to surge as the season progressed, scoring his first career touchdown in the Panthers' matchup with UTSA in the First Responder Bowl on Dec. 26.
Tripp Jr., who was named First Team CUSA All-Preseason by Phil Steele, appeared in all 12 games for FIU in 2025. A native of Baltimore, Md., he played an integral role in the Panthers' vastly improved offensive line play. As a unit, FIU's offensive line helped produce the most yards per carry in program history (4.9) along with the second-most rushing yards (2,361) and rushing touchdowns (26) all-time.
Simmons earned Second Team All-CUSA honors in 2025 following an outstanding junior campaign. The Jackson, Miss.-native racked up 6.0 sacks, having 1+ sack in four of FIU's final five games. Expecting a big senior season on the defensive line, Simmons has been named Preseason First Team All-CUSA by both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He is also making his second appearance on the CUSA Preseason Watchlist.
Sterlin, who earned both CUSA All-Freshman and Honorable Mention status in 2025, appeared in all 12 games for FIU in 2025. He was named the CUSA Freshman of the Week on Sept. 15 after racking up seven tackles and an interception in the Panthers' Shula Bowl victory over Fla. Atlantic. Overall, Sterlin finished fourth on the team with 65 total tackles, adding two interceptions and six passes defended. The Port St. Lucie-native received Preseason All-CUSA nods from both Athlon (First Team) and Phil Steele (Second Team).
Anderson, a junior wide receiver, starred in the return game for FIU last season. Appearing as the primary punt returner in all 13 games, Anderson produced a 'viral moment' in the Panthers' First Responder Bowl matchup with UTSA, returning a punt 97 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. His 97-yard return marked the longest-ever punt return in bowl and CUSA history while tying T.Y. Hilton's program-record.
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