Ex-FIU Stars and Barry Golfers Headline Local College Sports News
Former Florida International University running back Kejon Owens is currently in Mobile, Alabama, participating in the Senior Bowl, a critical evaluation period for NFL Draft prospects. Owens, who set the Panthers’ single-season rushing record with 1,334 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, is one of only 10 running backs invited to the showcase. While his collegiate statistics are impressive, scouts often scrutinize production from non-Power Four conferences, meaning Owens faces significant pressure to demonstrate his speed and pass-protection skills against elite competition in Mobile. FIU head coach Willie Simmons and offensive coordinator Nick Coleman traveled to support Owens, highlighting the program’s investment in his professional transition.
In a move that has sparked debate regarding transfer portal strategies, former FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins has transferred to the University of Central Florida. Jenkins, the Panthers’ starter for the majority of the last three seasons, is projected to serve as a backup to Alonza Barnett III, who recently led James Madison to a College Football Playoff berth. Jenkins completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 1,742 yards in 2025 but chose to leave Miami after indications he would face an open competition for the starting job at FIU. Critics of the move might argue that trading a potential starting role for a backup position at a Big 12 school risks stalling a quarterback’s development, though the allure of Power Four resources is a common draw.
Barry University’s golf program continues to demonstrate its prowess as a talent pipeline, with former standouts AJ Ewart and Adam Swensson earning their PGA Tour cards. Both Canadian natives were among just five players to advance from a 176-man field at the qualifying tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach. Ewart, the 2022 Jack Nicklaus Award winner, highlighted his performance with a hole-in-one, while Swensson previously led Barry to back-to-back national titles in 2013 and 2014. Historically, the transition from NCAA Division II dominance to the PGA Tour is steep, with player retention rates for rookies often serving as a major hurdle, yet their qualifying performances suggest they are prepared for the highest level.
Spring football preparations are finalizing across South Florida, with FIU scheduled to begin drills on March 10, culminating in the Spring Game on April 11. At St. Thomas University, new head coach Drew Davis is overseeing his first offseason program. Davis, the son of legendary coach Butch Davis, aims to build a faster, stronger roster through an eight-week conditioning block before practice begins. While the Davis name carries significant weight in Miami football circles due to his father’s tenures at the University of Miami and FIU, the younger Davis will face the distinct challenge of establishing his own identity and proving he can translate that pedigree into wins at the NAIA level.
On the hardwood, the FIU men’s basketball team suffered a demoralizing 78-74 loss to Jacksonville State, surrendering a 15-point lead. The defeat drops FIU to 10-11 overall and 3-7 in Conference USA. Despite a stellar performance from Corey Stephenson, who led the team with 20 points and six rebounds, the Panthers’ inability to close out games has become a recurring issue. Jacksonville State freshman Jacoby Hill hit the game-winning jumper with less than a second remaining. This collapse underscores defensive lapses and discipline issues that often plague teams struggling to find consistency in conference play.
miamiherald.com
