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 Navy through UTSA. Those wanting to read about players on Army through Memphis can find that story here.
North Texas
Andy Jean, WR, Miami Northwestern, Jr.: Jean began his career at Florida, spent a spring semester at Pittsburgh, and then transferred to Arkansas. Now is the time for Jean to break out and prove why he was a four-star receiver prospect.
Rice
Jesus Machado, LB, Champagnat Catholic, Gr.: Machado is all too familiar with the American, having initially played at Tulane. He racked up 98 tackles for the Green Wave in 2023 before a knee injury cost him the 2024 campaign. Machado followed former Tulane coach Willie Fritz to Houston and came off the bench last year. What does he have in store for his final college season?
UAB
Guylijah Theodule, DB, Miami Northwestern, Jr.: Theodule is another AAC newcomer, and he looks to play a pivotal role for Alex Mortensen’s UAB squad. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound defender had seven tackles over 14 games at Marshall and Southern Miss.
Ja’Vin Simpkins, RB, Miami Northwestern, R-Jr.: Simpkins broke out for 591 yards on 4.7 yards per carry at Coastal Carolina last year, and his speed is apparent in his highlights. UAB fans may have just found their new favorite offensive playmaker.
Which former Miami-Dade County players are you expected to see in college football this season? Let us know!
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