When the 2026 college football season kicks off, there will be no shortage of Miami-Dade County alumni making their presence felt in the American Athletic Conference.
Far more attention is on the AAC following Tulane’s College Football Playoff appearance a year ago. That bodes well for the former 305 stars now playing at the college level.
For this story, we are including only players with a Miami-Dade County school listed on their school’s official football roster. Players who are originally from Miami-Dade County but played elsewhere in high school are listed separately. Check your favorite team’s category page for those posts!
Because so many former Miami-Dade County players are expected to play significant roles in the AAC this year, we have split this list into two separate stories. This list covers Army through Memphis. Those wanting to read about players on Navy through UTSA can find that story here.
Charlotte
Jamarrion Solomon, DT, Palmetto, R-Sr.: Solomon was one of the 49ers’ few bright spots last year, finishing with career-highs in tackles (29) and tackles for loss (3 ½). Let’s see what the FIU transfer has in store for his final college season.
Khamani Alexander, RB, Belen Jesuit, R-So.: After two seasons at App State, Alexander joins a Charlotte program seeking its first winning season since 2019. He should be a welcome addition to a 49ers program desperately seeking an offensive jolt.
East Carolina
Ray Ray Joseph Jr., WR, Miami-Edison, R-Jr.: Joseph recorded 14 catches for 135 yards at Miami over the last three years, and he isn’t the lone offensive Hurricane now at ECU. Ex-Miami quarterback Emory Williams is competing for the starting quarterback job, and it’d certainly be fitting if the two connect for touchdowns this fall.
Florida Atlantic
Gavench Marcelin, EDGE, Belen Jesuit Prep, Jr.: Marcelin recorded six TLS and 3 1/2 sacks in his first two college seasons. The time is now for the 6-foot-3, 246-pound pass-rusher to take that next step and reap the benefits.
Ja’Kavion Nonar, LT, Everglades Prep, R-Sr.: The 6-foot-8, 315-pound Nonar could put himself on NFL teams’ radars with a strong 2026 campaign. His priority must be keeping quarterback Caden Veltkamp on his feet and giving the veteran quarterback enough time to avoid risky throws; Veltkamp led all FBS quarterbacks with 17 interceptions last season.
Leon Hart Jr., LB, Miami-Edison, R-Sr.: Hart racked up 96 tackles and 4 ½ TFLs for the Owls after transferring in from Marshall. FAU hasn’t cracked six wins since its 2019 C-USA championship campaign, and last year’s defense ranked among the nation’s worst. It’ll be on Hart to help engineer the turnaround.
Tyclean Luman, EDGE, Miami Norland, R-So.: We suggest getting familiar with the Luman twins. Tyclean and his brother, Tycoolhill, are entering their second season at FAU after transferring in from Rutgers. Tyclean had 12 tackles and half a sack last year.
Memphis
Ahmere Foster, S, Christopher Columbus, Sr.: Foster went under the radar at Southern Miss last year, and it’s surprising he didn’t earn All-Sun Belt honors. The 5-foot-10, 173-pound safety picked off three passes and tallied 47 tackles for the Golden Eagles. Don’t be surprised if he quickly emerges as the Tigers’ next defensive star.
Jabari Ishmael, DE, Christopher Columbus, R-Sr.: Ishmael has kept busy, signing with Miami as a four-star prospect in the 2021 class. He transferred to Marshall following the 2022 season, spent two years with the Thundering Herd, and then played the 2025 campaign at Southern Miss. What does he have in store for his final college season?
Justin Wallace, EDGE, Miami-Killian, R-Sr.: Wallace had four sacks, 5 ½ tackles for loss, and forced a fumble at Western Carolina last season. He’s a fun addition to a Memphis program that has had winning records in 11 of the last 12 years.
Which former Miami-Dade County players are you expected to see in college football this season? Let us know!
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