Florida International University’s standout wide receiver, Alex Perry, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal following a remarkable season. This development poses a significant challenge for the Panthers, who recently finished the 2025 campaign with a record of 7–6 and secured a bowl game appearance under first-year head coach Willie Simmons.
In their most successful season since 2018, Florida International concluded the year with a disappointing 57–20 defeat to the University of Texas at San Antonio in the First Responder Bowl. Perry’s performance was a highlight of the season, as he led the team with 56 receptions, 840 yards, and nine touchdowns. His average of 15.0 yards per catch established him as the Panthers’ most explosive offensive weapon and a key target in the red zone.
Reports indicate that Perry’s entry into the transfer portal is expected to attract considerable interest from various programs. Notably, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz has noted that the talented wideout is likely to receive “high-level interest” as he looks for new opportunities.
Perry’s departure adds to the list of key players from Florida International exploring the transfer market. He joins fellow Panthers such as starting cornerback Jessiah McGrew, interior offensive lineman Antonio Tripp, and tight end Dallas Payne in seeking new options.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, Perry’s combination of size and skill made him an essential component of the Panthers’ offense this past season. Transferring to Florida International before the 2025 season, he had previously played three seasons at the University of Hawaii, where he recorded 48 receptions for 491 yards and three touchdowns, primarily serving as a rotational player.
As a redshirt junior, Perry quickly established himself as the primary receiving option for the Panthers, transforming limited production into a standout season. He was recognized as a first-team all-conference player, a testament to his impact on the field.
Perry’s background as a three-star recruit from Port Charlotte High School further emphasizes his potential. During the recruitment process, he received multiple offers but ultimately chose Hawaii over schools such as Purdue, Old Dominion, Morehead State, and UT Martin.
His exit leaves a considerable void in Florida International’s passing attack, which relied heavily on his physical presence and playmaking ability. After achieving their best record in years, the Panthers now face the challenge of replacing Perry’s elite production. This necessity may lead them to either seek new talent through the transfer portal or focus on developing younger wide receivers within the program.
Given Perry’s profile and his roots in Florida, programs in the Southeast that value a jump-ball target may find him an attractive option. Schools ranging from Group of Five to Power Five conferences could be keen to recruit him as they assess their own roster needs. Notable programs that have been linked to acquiring a wide receiver through the transfer portal include Duke, Michigan State, Syracuse, Kentucky, UTSA, and North Texas, all of which are anticipated to lose key receivers during this transfer cycle.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college football rosters, the next steps for Perry and Florida International will be closely watched as they navigate this pivotal offseason.
