Former Miami Hurricanes Players Visit FIU Amid Transfer Portal Shuffle
As college football continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NCAA Transfer Portal, several former Miami Hurricanes players are making moves to new destinations, with a notable group now setting their sights on Florida International University (FIU). Among the players reportedly visiting FIU’s campus are Jonathan Denis, Laurence Seymore, Antonio Tripp, and Ajay Allen, all of whom are exploring their options for the 2025 season.
The influx of Hurricanes players to FIU is a significant development for both programs, as FIU looks to strengthen its roster while Miami sees more talent leave in search of new opportunities. While the departures from Miami may be unsettling for some Hurricanes fans, it is a reflection of the evolving nature of college football and the competitive environment in which players seek to maximize their playing time and college careers.
Ajay Allen: A Versatile Running Back Exploring Options
Ajay Allen, a talented running back who spent two seasons with the Miami Hurricanes, is among the notable players visiting FIU. Allen’s time at Miami was marked by flashes of potential, as he ran for 544 yards and seven touchdowns across his two seasons. The running back originally committed to Nebraska, where he spent his freshman season before transferring to Miami. Now with two years of eligibility remaining, Allen is looking for a fresh start, and FIU appears to be an intriguing option for his final years of college football.
Allen, a Monroe, Louisiana native, was a former four-star recruit who was highly sought after during his recruitment. As a high school senior at Neville High School, he racked up an impressive 2,200 yards and 34 touchdowns, showcasing his explosive speed and playmaking ability. His early years at Nebraska were promising, with Allen rushing for 190 yards and two touchdowns in just four games during his freshman season. However, after transferring to Miami, he struggled to find consistent playing time behind a crowded running back depth chart.
For Allen, the transfer portal presents an opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to a new team. FIU could offer him the chance to be a focal point of the offense, potentially allowing him to rekindle his high school form. As a versatile back capable of making plays both on the ground and in the receiving game, Allen’s experience and talent would be a valuable addition to any team looking to improve its backfield depth. His reported visit to FIU indicates that he is actively considering the Panthers as a potential landing spot, and with two years left to play, he has the flexibility to make an immediate impact.
Jonathan Denis: Seeking a Fresh Start After Miami and Oregon
Another key player reportedly visiting FIU is Jonathan Denis, an offensive lineman with a unique journey in college football. Denis is a Homestead, Florida native who began his college career at Oregon, where he played under then-head coach Mario Cristobal, who would later take the reins at Miami. Denis followed Cristobal to Miami but found his playing time limited in the Hurricanes’ system.
During his time at Miami, Denis appeared in six games, including two starts during the 2022 season. However, his role became more limited in 2023, as he played in only one game. Looking for more playing time and an opportunity to further develop his skills, Denis transferred to Central Missouri University, a Division II program, for the 2024 season. There, he played in nine games and gained valuable experience as a contributor on the offensive line.
Now, with one year of eligibility remaining, Denis is once again searching for a program where he can make an impact. FIU has reportedly offered Denis a scholarship, making the Panthers a serious contender for his services. With FIU’s offensive line in need of reinforcements, Denis could provide immediate depth and experience for a unit that has struggled at times in recent seasons. His prior experience at Miami and Oregon would add veteran leadership to the Panthers’ line, and his familiarity with Cristobal’s system could make his transition to FIU smoother than it would be at other programs.
Laurence Seymore and Antonio Tripp: Other Notable Departures from Miami
In addition to Allen and Denis, two other Miami players—Laurence Seymore and Antonio Tripp—are reportedly exploring their transfer options and have either already visited FIU or are expected to do so in the near future. Both Seymore and Tripp are highly talented players who have been part of Miami’s deep recruiting classes in recent years.
Laurence Seymore, an offensive lineman from Miami, was a key part of the Hurricanes’ offensive line rotation in 2024. As a former four-star recruit, Seymore was expected to develop into one of Miami’s cornerstone players on the line, but his playing time and development were somewhat inconsistent during his time with the team. Now, Seymore’s departure is another signal that Miami’s offensive line will experience a makeover as they continue to look for talent to improve the unit.
Antonio Tripp, a former defensive lineman, also left Miami in search of more playing time and a better fit for his skill set. Tripp was a three-star recruit and a promising defensive prospect, but with the depth of Miami’s defensive line, he may have been looking for a situation where he could see more opportunities on the field. Tripp’s size and athleticism could make him a valuable piece for any defensive front, and FIU may provide the opportunity he needs to reach his potential.
FIU’s Efforts to Build a Competitive Roster
The addition of players like Allen, Denis, Seymore, and Tripp would be a significant boost for FIU and its football program, which is looking to make strides in Conference USA. The Panthers have seen improvement under head coach Mike MacIntyre, and with these new additions, FIU could quickly become a more competitive force in their conference.
FIU’s active pursuit of players from a program like Miami also demonstrates the school’s intent to strengthen its roster with high-quality talent from larger programs. Given that Miami is one of the premier programs in Florida, even as it struggles to find consistency, any talent that comes from the Hurricanes’ roster is likely to be an upgrade for a program like FIU. Adding players who have been recruited by top-tier schools provides FIU with an opportunity to raise its profile and compete more effectively in the growing football landscape.
Conclusion: The Impact of Transfer Portal Moves
As the NCAA Transfer Portal continues to shape college football, transfers like those involving Ajay Allen, Jonathan Denis, Laurence Seymore, and Antonio Tripp represent a new era of player movement and opportunity. These transfers not only affect the programs involved but also serve as a reminder of the shifting power dynamics in college football.
For players like Allen and Denis, the portal offers a chance to redefine their careers and find new roles in different systems. For FIU, these visits and potential signings provide a path to building a stronger, more competitive team that can challenge for titles in Conference USA and beyond. As the transfer portal continues to evolve, more stories like these will unfold, highlighting the ever-changing nature of college football rosters and the players’ pursuit of success.
