Needs: QB, WR, OL, DL
Best-case scenario: Gerry Bohanon, Jyaire Shorter
Realistic option: Zion Turner, Rico Arnold
Mike MacIntyre is entering year three of a rebuild that’s very intricate – to say the least. Following a messy divorce between Butch Davis and FIU administration, MacIntyre inherited a roster that had only 50 players on it – managing to find a four-win season in 2022. However, a mass exodus last offseason stunted any real growth possibility in 2023, making it crucial that the Panthers retrain their roster this year.
After seeing all-conference performers Kris Mitchell (Notre Dame) and Jordan Guerad (Minnesota) enter the portal, the Panthers need help that can step in asap. Another arm will be needed with the entry of former starter Grayson James to the portal and true freshman starter Keyone Jenkins may be served well by another veteran in spring camp to push him.
A former starter like Bohanon would be best case scenario, given the mobility needed to extend plays – needed in offensive coordinator David Yost’s system and with an offensive line that’s still a work in progress. However, Miami native Zion Turner may be a more realistic option, having lost his job after leading UConn to a bowl game as a true freshman.
With Mitchell’s departure, another pass-catcher would be welcomed and former Conference USA standout Jyaire Shorter’s jump to the Power Five saw him get lost in the shuffle at Auburn. Shorter would be a welcomed addition, but another former CUSA wideout in Rico Arnold could be more viable.
As for the needs in the trenches, the Panthers may be best served by waiting until this portal window ends to see where their roster stands.
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