FAU vs. FIU 2026 Preview: The Shula Bowl XXIV

For the first time since 2017, FIU can defend the Shula Bowl trophy instead of chasing it. In the 24th edition of the Shula Bowl, the Panthers will take the Turnpike North to Boca Raton in 2026 to face off against Zach Kittley’s Owls, who are coming off an impressive win over Navy.

FAU vs. FIU: 2026 Shula Bowl Preview

Series History

Although FIU has the upper hand with the trophy inside their facility, the Panthers have a single win in Boca Raton. That came in 2012 when they defeated the Owls, 34-24. Since then, the Panthers have dropped six straight in Boca Raton.

Overall, the Owls have dominated the series, with 17 wins against six losses. This past season, FIU snapped a seven-game losing streak in the Shula Bowl with a 38-28 win at Pitbull Stadium.

The most recent game in Boca Raton resulted in an Owls 38-20 win.

Key Names to Watch

FIU Panthers

Elisha Baldridge, DL

If FIU wants to get to Caden Veltkamp, it starts at the front. Baldridge finished week two against Buffalo with six total tackles and two sacks (one forced fumble). Pro Football Focus ranked him the top pass rusher (87.9 grade).

Ryan Gadson, DB

Florida Atlantic has the 14th-best passing offense in the country. Gadson is coming off a tough week with a 63.7 PFF grade. Through two games this season, Gadson has six total tackles and two pass breakups. The Owls’ top wideout so far has been Easton Messer, who has caught 15 passes for 252 yards and two scores. Expect Gadson to be on Messer come Saturday.

Anthony Carrie, RB

The first two games with Carrie as the lead back have been disappointing. He’s ran for 80 yards on 23 attempts. FIU has yet to record a rushing touchdown. Florida Atlantic’s defense has surrendered 281 rushing yards at Florida and 246 against Navy. FAU’s first two opponents are a power-conference team and a team that runs the triple option, so comparing them to FIU would be unfair. What is worth noting is that last season, Kejon Owens broke loose and tallied 173 rushing yards.

Greg Gaines III

Similar to Carrie, Gaines has been disappointing after the expectations for the former 1,000-yard receiver at Rhode Island were high. If FIU wants to attack the Owls through the air, explosive plays will be key. That’s where Gaines comes in. Standing at 6-foot-3, Gaines will be a big play target, but will need to see more of that on Saturday.

FAU Owls

Braden Cunningham, Center

A new starter for the Owls in 2026, Braden Cunningham has been lights out on the offensive line through two games. In the run game, Cunningham has helped to clear lanes on a consistent basis, no matter what the run game concept it is. As a pass blocker, though, the offensive lineman has been even more impressive. On 93 opportunities, Cunningham has not allowed a single pressure. He shut out Florida’s defensive line on 57 pass-blocking snaps, and he did the same on 36 opportunities against Navy. The center will have another test against FIU, and I am very excited to see how he continues his red-hot start to the season. 

Kelby Valsin, Wide Receiver

While Easton Messer gets plenty of the headlines, Kelby Valsin has emerged as a breakout star for the Owls through two weeks. After an impressive opener against Florida, Valsin produced a 115-yard game against Navy, which included a touchdown reception. The Texas Tech transfer created plenty of separation, made big catches, and showed his full skill set as a player. He, alongside Messer and Dom Henry, have helped to make FAU’s passing attack one of the better ones in the country up to this point. Expect Valsin to have another great game against the Panthers. 

Josh Roberts, Defensive End

FIU will look to be very explosive on offense in this year’s Shula Bowl, especially in the passing game. As a result, the Owls will need a player like Josh Roberts to step up in a big way. A second-year player at defensive end, Roberts was fantastic against Navy, totaling seven tackles and a sack. He has the ability to thrive as a pass rusher and the added size to be stout on the edge against the run. Whoever wins the trenches will win the Shula Bowl, and as a result, Roberts needs to play a big role.

Blake Burris, Defensive Lineman

In the trenches, Blake Burris may be the type of player who could swing this matchup toward the Owls. He was very solid against Florida, and against Navy in Week 2, Burris was dominant. Not only did he play great against the run, but he won consistently when able to rush the passer. Burris wins with strength, can use his hands very well, and can even showcase some athleticism as well. He will have a challenge against FIU’s offensive line, but Burris has more than enough talent to make a considerable impact. 

Keys To Victory

FIU Panthers

Make Caden Veltkamp Uncomfortable

In the 2025 version of this game, FIU forced Veltkamp to make some bad reads. He finished the game throwing three interceptions. If the Panthers defensive line can get to Veltkamp, they are in good shape to give him a long night. So far, FIU’s front four has four sacks and have forced two fumbles. The Panthers also have the top total defense in Conference USA.

Veltkamp is coming off a game where he threw for 386 yards and five touchdowns. If he does this against the Panthers, FIU will lose the Shula Bowl.

Take Easton Messer out of the Owls offensive scheme

This one pretty much speaks for itself. If FIU can limit what Easton Messer can do offensively, Veltkamp will be forced to target other receivers who may not have had the same impact this season. This is a main reason someone like Ryan Gadson is brought up as a key player to watch on Saturday. FIU can also double up on Messer in hopes of completely shutting him out. Last season, Messer caught nine passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Be the defense that steps up

These are two of the best offenses in the country right now, more specifically, passing offenses. One turnover, and if you score off it, you have a good chance of winning the game. If FIU can limit the Owls as they did in week one, then the Panthers should keep the Shula Bowl trophy in Miami for another year.

Let JJ Kohl do his thing

Kohl is coming off one of the best games of his career. He didn’t throw the ball 50 times as he did against USF, and FIU found a better offensive balance, but now it is about consistency. If Kohl gets close to replicating what he did in week two in Boca Raton on Saturday, then it will be a shootout.

FAU Owls

Pressure the QB Early

FIU has a very dangerous passing attack in 2026, especially with JJ Kohl at the quarterback position. They also have plenty of wideouts that could do damage on Saturday night. While the secondary is important in this game, FAU needs their defense to generate pressure early. The Owls need their defensive line to cause havoc, whether on the interior or on the edges. On blitzes, the linebackers and defensive backs need to get home. How the Owls pressure the Panthers will dictate plenty in this game. It will not be an easy task against FIU, but FAU needs to figure out how to pressure the quarterback early and often. 

Make the FIU Secondary Earn It

FAU’s main strength on offense is their passing game, and they need to rely on it consistently on Saturday. FIU’s secondary has faced plenty of turnover, and they struggled at times against Buffalo last week. With Easton Messer, Kelby Valsin, and Dom Henry all rolling already, the Owls have the weapons to make Caden Veltkamp’s life much easier. They need to put pressure on the Panthers at all levels of the field and test the secondary’s communication. If FAU can find enough openings for big plays, the offense should have a very good game.

Avoid the Mistakes

In last year’s Shula Bowl, penalties and mental mistakes killed the Owls. That simply cannot happen again. FAU needs to be the more disciplined team from the first whistle until the last. They need to limit holding penalties and false starts. They cannot commit late flags after the whistle, no matter how hot the tempers run. FAU has the talent to win on Saturday, but that will not transpire if their mental fortitude and focus evaporate.