Star FIU Panthers quarterback Keyone Jenkins has entered the transfer portal following the news of Mike MacIntyre’s firing. The rising junior has ample experience, starting 23 games for the Panthers as a freshman and sophomore.
A lefty with nearly 5,000 career passing yards, I’m intrigued to learn what kind of market Jenkins has. Since his coach was fired, he’s allowed to enter the portal early and talk with teams before it officially opens on Dec. 9. Here are five potential landing spots for one of the sport’s brightest young Group of Five quarterbacks.
Where Could Keyone Jenkins Transfer?
Jenkins was the backup for the first game of his career, then quickly took over and has started for the Panthers ever since. He’s a lefty with a funky delivery but has been productive, with 2,557 yards and a 22:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Jenkins’ size might also scare away some potential suitors, as he’s listed at just 6’0″ and less than 200 pounds.
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That being said, Jenkins thrived on a struggling offense and built a connection with star receiver Eric Rivers, who also entered the transfer portal on Monday.
I have a lower Power Four, high Group of Five grade on Jenkins, and many of my College Football Network colleagues agree. Here are five potential landing spots for the former FIU quarterback.
FAU Owls
The FAU Owls struggled in 2024, which led to the firing of head coach Tom Herman.
Much of the Owls’ struggles could be attributed to the lack of a successful passer. Jenkins would immediately alleviate that problem and could find immediate success for a team with the infrastructure to compete in Conference USA.
Jenkins is from Florida. He played his entire career in the Sunshine State, but he will probably set his sights a bit higher, given his early success at FIU.
Georgia State Panthers
While I don’t think Jenkins will be the most highly desired quarterback in the portal, he’ll have his pick of Group of Five schools, and the Georgia State Panthers have much to offer.
First-year head coach Dell McGee hardly had time to unpack his office last season, let alone build a roster. And yet, the Panthers flashed with wins over Vanderbilt and Texas State.
The Panthers had a four-way race for the starting quarterback job, but it felt like a foregone conclusion that they would be looking for someone in the portal to build around. Since Jenkins has two years left, he feels like a solid target for Georgia State.
Washington State Cougars
This one is a bit off the wall, but it makes sense. I’d be shocked if Washington State Cougars superstar John Mateer stays with the team, as the sport’s best will come after him. If he leaves, where do the Cougars turn?
The Cougars fit the mold of an upper-tier Group of Five or lower-tier Power Four program with the ability to recognize and develop talent. Jenkins’ left-handedness and slight stature shouldn’t deter a coaching staff that has thrived with multiple unorthodox starters.
UCF Knights
It’s hard to project a player to a school without a head coach, but assuming the UCF Knights hire someone rather quickly, he’ll want to get a jump in the transfer portal. Jenkins is an established starter, and even if he’s not a consensus Power Four player, he has the ability and experience coaching staffs love.
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This would be another landing spot in Florida for a guy who has never played outside the state and would be a compelling offer, even if it doesn’t come with a guaranteed starting spot.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have been excellent this season, with redshirt senior Ben Wooldridge as the primary passer. The rest of the QB depth chart is unproven, and the Ragin’ Cajuns will likely test the transfer market waters to find an established starter.
Jenkins fits the billing and, in my opinion, would thrive as a star Group of Five quarterback at a good school rather than a spot starter on a Power Four roster. If Louisiana pushes, I think this is a good fit.
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