Following a standout season, Alex Perry, the leading wide receiver for Florida International University (FIU), has entered the NCAA transfer portal. This development poses a significant challenge for the Panthers as they seek to build on their recent success, having concluded the 2025 season with a record of 7-6 and securing a bowl game appearance under first-year head coach Willie Simmons.
Perry’s decision comes after an impressive campaign where he recorded 56 receptions for 840 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance earned him All-Conference honors and solidified his status as FIU’s primary offensive weapon, particularly in the red zone. The Panthers’ season ended with a 57-20 loss to UTSA in the First Responder Bowl, highlighting both the team’s potential and the impact of losing a key player like Perry.
Impact of Perry’s Departure
The exit of the 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver creates a notable gap in the Panthers’ receiving corps. Perry emerged as a crucial target for the team, and his departure will necessitate significant adjustments. The Panthers will need to either recruit talent through the transfer portal or develop younger players to fill the void left by Perry, who was their most effective red-zone threat.
Perry’s journey to FIU began after transferring from Hawaii, where he spent his first three collegiate years. During his time with the Rainbow Warriors, he accumulated 48 receptions for 491 yards and three touchdowns. His transition to FIU marked a turning point in his career, as he quickly became the team’s go-to receiver, leveraging his size and contested-catch ability to dominate on the field.
Originally from Port Charlotte, Florida, Perry was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and ranked as the No. 188 wide receiver in the 2022 class. He chose Hawaii over other offers from schools such as Purdue, Old Dominion, Morehead State, and UT Martin. His successful season at FIU has now positioned him as a desirable prospect in the transfer market.
Future Prospects for Perry
As Perry navigates the transfer portal, he is expected to attract significant interest from various programs. His profile as a big-bodied receiver with proven touchdown production makes him an appealing target for both Group of Five programs and Power Five teams seeking depth at the wide receiver position. Schools such as Duke, Michigan State, Syracuse, Kentucky, UTSA, and North Texas have already been mentioned as potential landing spots for players looking to bolster their receiving corps.
The Panthers, on the other hand, are now faced with the task of replacing Perry’s elite production. With several other key players, including starting cornerback Jessiah McGrew, interior offensive lineman Antonio Tripp, and tight end Dallas Payne, also entering the transfer portal, the upcoming off-season will be crucial for FIU’s coaching staff as they look to maintain momentum from their recent success.
Perry’s decision to enter the transfer portal marks a new chapter in his football career, and it will be interesting to see where he lands next. His ability to perform at a high level will undoubtedly make him a sought-after commodity in the college football landscape.
