The 2026 college football season is nearly here, and many former Palm Beach County stars are expected to shine this season.
Tulane’s College Football Playoff appearance a year ago put the American Athletic Conference into the national consciousness. With more eyes on the AAC, some familiar names from the 561 look to take full advantage this fall.
For this story, we are including only players with a Palm Beach County school listed on their school’s official football roster. Players who are originally from Palm Beach County but played elsewhere, such as FAU left tackle Ja’Kavion Nonar (originally from Belle Glade but played at Everglades Prep), will be listed in another post. Check your favorite team’s category page for those lists!
East Carolina
Tavius Horne Jr., DB, Atlantic, R-Fr.: The 5-foot-11, 166-pound Horne not only dominated on the gridiron, but he was an immensely successful track runner in high school. Horne even earned junior Olympic All-America honors in the 100 and 200 during the 2021 season. That speed will be pivotal in helping ECU win its fourth bowl game in five years.
Florida Atlantic
Earl Miller Jr., DT, American Heritage-Delray: Miller had 10 tackles and a four-yard sack in his first season with the Owls. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman previously played at South Dakota and Bethune-Cookman. FAU needs Miller at his best as the Owls chase their first bowl appearance since 2020.
Memphis
Jayden Parrish, LB, Atlantic: Parrish comes to Memphis after spending the last two years at Florida State. ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports all considered Parrish a top-100 prospect in the state of Florida among Class of 2024 players.
North Texas
Steven Curtis, DE, Cardinal Newman: Curtis joins North Texas after playing last season at Minnesota. He previously impressed at Illinois State, recording eight tackles for loss, five sacks, and forcing two fumbles over 25 games. At 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds, Curtis has the ideal size to torment AAC offensive linemen.
UAB
Darrell Sweeting, CB, Benjamin: After beginning his career at Temple, Sweeting broke out for 37 tackles and an interception at Marshall last year. UAB seeks its first winning season since 2022, and Sweeting could be a pivotal piece of the Blazers’ defense.
Which former Palm Beach County players are you expected to see in college football this season? Let us know!
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