Florida International Offered Scholarship to James Jenkins III
The DME Academy shooting guard has secured a Division I offer from the Miami-based program.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Basketball
Florida International has extended a Division I basketball scholarship offer to James Jenkins III. The rising star currently holds four total offers from collegiate programs across the country.
Why it matters
The offer highlights the growing recruitment profile of Jenkins, who recently reclassified to the Class of 2029 to further develop his game. His performance on the elite 3SSB circuit has made him a top-tier prospect in Florida.
Jenkins currently ranks as the 57th national prospect and the 14th-ranked shooting guard in the 2029 class. He maintains an average of 19.8 points per game over 18 contests on the 3SSB circuit.
The players
James Jenkins III
He is a highly-ranked shooting guard prospect currently attending DME Academy in Florida.
Florida International
This university operates a Division I men's basketball program located in Miami.
The details
Jenkins, a 6-foot-4 athlete attending DME Academy, has seen his stock rise after reclassifying from the Class of 2028 to 2029. Alongside his Florida International offer, he is currently being recruited by McNeese State, Bethune-Cookman, and Ohio.
Timeline
McNeese State and Bethune-Cookman issued scholarship offers in 2025.
Ohio extended a scholarship offer in June 2026.
Jenkins officially reclassified to the Class of 2029 in July 2026.
Florida International offered a scholarship on September 16, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This offer validates Jenkins' decision to reclassify, placing him in a stronger position for long-term collegiate recruitment. It establishes his status as one of the premier shooting guards in Florida, directly influencing his trajectory within the 2029 national rankings.
Jenkins' reclassification and subsequent national ranking of 57th place him firmly in the sights of major coaching staffs for the next three recruiting cycles. His 19.8 points per game scoring average establishes a high bar for his continued development at DME Academy.
The takeaway
Reclassifying allows young athletes the necessary time to refine their physical skills and academic profile before entering the competitive college landscape. Prospective players should focus on consistent performance on circuits like 3SSB to maximize their visibility to Division I recruiters.
Further reading
For more updates on top high school prospects in the region, visit the Basketball section.
