FIU Football: 2025 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions

FIU Football is coming fast, and what better way to prepare for 2025 than learn about the Panthers’ game-by-game predictions for the upcoming schedule.

For FIU, the start of the 2025 season is truly a new beginning. Head coach Willie Simmons brings a new scheme, mindset, and attitude to the 305. The Panthers return plenty of key contributors, made some impressive additions in the transfer portal, and brought in some first-year players who could make an instant impact.

Add in what looks to be a bit of a weaker Conference USA, and this could be a very fun season for the Panthers.

What does the game-by-game schedule look like for FIU, though? Can they truly come through with a positive season in 2025? That is what we are here for! It is time for another schedule preview, this time for the FIU Panthers!

FIU Football: 2025 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions

August 29: vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

In their first game under Willie Simmons, I expect the Panthers to start off on a very good note.

This game should be a great first look at the versatile and dynamic offense scheme that has developed over the spring and fall. I expect quarterback Keyone Jenkins to have a very good game, playing in-rhythm and making plays happen all over the field. I also expect wideout Alex Perry, running back Kejon Owens, and others to start their seasons off on a strong note.

On defense, I expect the Panthers’ secondary to show off its depth and overall talent in this game. I also think we will see some of the potential of the defensive line on display in this game.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

September 6: at Penn State Nittany Lions

Talk about a massive shift in opponents!

After opening with Bethune-Cookman, the Panthers head into Happy Valley to face No. 2-ranked Penn State. The Nittany Lions have one of the most loaded rosters in all of college football. They also return a potential star quarterback in Drew Allar and a Heisman dark-horse in all-purpose running back Nicholas Singleton.

In all honesty, the main goal for FIU in this game should be to get out healthy and compete to the fullest extent of their abilities. If FIU can keep this game within 30 points in year one of the Simmons era, that would be a massive win for the Panthers.

Prediction: Loss (1-1)

September 13: vs. Florida Atlantic Owls

Expect this matchup between FAU and FIU to be one of the more underrated yet exciting early-season games in 2025.

The edge in this game will be decided on the defense. The winner of this game will be able to force a few turnovers and limit production to the point where they can dictate the terms of engagement.

This game is a coin flip that can go either way.

Prediction: Win (2-1)

September 20: vs. Delaware Blue Hens

The winning ways continue for the Panthers in their matchup against the Blue Hens!

In a year from now, Delaware can be one of the better teams in Conference USA. They have some nice pieces, a history of winning games, and play in a part of the country where they can land talented players. However, 2025 will be an adjustment and acclimation period for Delaware, where they will go through their lumps.

In this specific game, the run game will be key for the Panthers. They can show off the development of their trenches against the Blue Hens. Whether it is Kejon Owens, Anthony Carrie, or Devonte Lyons, I think that FIU’s rushing attack will be in store for a great day.

Prediction: Win (3-1)

October 4: at UConn Huskies

Taking a trip up to the New England area, I think FIU suffers its second loss of the season against the Huskies.

UConn has the ability to beat teams in a variety of different ways. They have what looks to be a fun rushing attack, and a passing attack headlined by standout wide receiver Skylar Bell. On defense, they have some good defensive backs and a solid group along their defensive trenches.

FIU will definitely compete in this game, scoring points on offense and getting stops out of their defense. But with UConn being a bit further ahead in its program development, plus this being a road game for the Panthers, I do see the Panthers coming up short.

Prediction: Loss (3-2)

October 14: at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

It may not seem like it right now, but I think that this should be a fun game on the overall C-USA slate.

Despite losing a lot of players on both sides of the ball, Western Kentucky had a nice portal haul and 2025 recruiting class. Head coach Tyson Helton also has a history of getting the most out of his teams, even if they are depleted from other programs raiding them in the transfer portal and graduates.

Western Kentucky will be one of the hardest places the Panthers play at in 2025. However, expect FIU to play a solid game from front to back, showing that the wins and improvement up to this point in the season are no fluke.

The Hilltoppers eek out the win in this game, but this matchup will be yet another reminder that the Panthers are heading in a great direction under head coach Willie Simmons.

Prediction: Loss (3-3)

October 21: vs. Kennesaw State Owls

After the loss to WKU, the Panthers beat Kennesaw State in convincing fashion.

I do not think they will be the worst team in the conference, but I do not expect the Owls to be very good in 2025. FIU has a better offense, a much better defense, and a much better overall coaching staff. Anything can happen in a game of football, but with this game coming under the lights at Pitbull Stadium, I really do not see a scenario where the Panthers lose.

Prediction: Win (4-3)

October 29: at Missouri State Bears

Is this potentially a trap game for FIU? Yes, but I do not think that comes to pass.

Missouri State, just like Delaware, is a team that will need to go through an acclimation period in its first year at the FBS level. They have good talent at multiple positions, but I have questions about their depth over the course of a full season.

Despite this being a difficult environment to play in, the Panthers cruise to a victory on the road against the Bears, led by their diverse offensive attack.

Prediction: Win (5-3)

November 8: at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Just like the Missouri State game, I do not see the Panthers falling into an unexpected loss against the Blue Raiders. However, expect this game to be much more competitive.

Middle Tennessee is a program that, like FIU, could be on the rise in the next few years. They brought in some high-upside talent, retained key contributors, and have a solid coaching staff that should be able to get good production out of its players. My main question, though, is depth. If the Blue Raiders lose some of their starters, I feel a bit less confident in their ability to compete in this game.

With no knowledge of injuries at the time of this writing, and no time machine to confirm my thoughts, I have to go off the current information. This is what you would call a “coin flip” game, and I will lean in favor of FIU here.

Prediction: Win (6-3)

November 15: vs. Liberty Flames

Litmus test, part two!

Liberty, alongside Western Kentucky, is one of my favorites to win Conference USA. Despite some key losses, they added intriguing players in the transfer portal windows to bolster their roster. They also return key contributors on both sides of the ball, while having an above-average head coach in Jamey Chadwell.

Hosting the Flames at Pitbull Stadium, the Panthers will play the class of the conference very closely. As of now, I do have them losing this game, mainly due to what I think is a slight talent gap between both teams. However, I could easily see FIU winning this game. If they can pull off this win, they will be set up to potentially earn a spot in the C-USA championship game.

Prediction: Loss (6-4)

November 22: vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks

This is where FIU, after a few close losses, once again proves that it is a key player in Conference USA under Willie Simmons.

Jacksonville State still has a solid roster on both sides of the ball. With a mix of young returning players and high-upside transfers, it is not out of the question that the Gamecocks could produce in a way similar to their 2024 season.

However, there are a lot of new pieces that need to click together, and fast. And because of this, I do not think Jacksonville State will be on the same level as they were last season.

Prediction: Win (7-4)

November 29: at Sam Houston Bearkats

It will be a tough one on the road, but the Panthers will close out their season strong on the road in Texas.

After an impressive 2024 season, head coach K.C. Keeler, along with many other contributors, departed Sam Houston. The Bearkats still have some talent sprinkled throughout the roster, including an intriguing former four-star quarterback in Mabrey Mettauer. However, I do not see Sam Houston being able to replicate the magic they had last season. They will likely take a step back in 2025 as they adjust to a new scheme and mentality.

As a result, FIU will be a beneficiary of that step back. In what will be a close game, the experience and adversity faced by the Panthers in the 2025 season will help them seal the victory. After yet another win, the Panthers will be preparing for their first bowl game in a decent amount of time.

Prediction: Win (8-4)

FIU Football: Final Thoughts and Predictions on the 2025 Schedule

In the first year under Willie Simmons, the Panthers could finish anywhere between five and eight wins. With the football schedule FIU has, and the talent on the roster, most predictions won’t have this team having the bottom fall out on them in 2025. Rather, the main discussion should be about their ceiling.

In this article, plenty of things break right for the Panthers, but still lose key games to Liberty, UConn, and Western Kentucky. There is a world where they flip one, or even two of those games in their favor and cement themselves as a true contender this season. There is also a world where FIU drops the games to Jacksonville State and FAU, leaving them around the five or six win mark.

It remains to be seen how much upside the Panthers can capitalize on this season. But with a fun roster and coaching staff, there is plenty of reason to be excited for FIU this season.

Standout Players

Keyone Jenkins, Quarterback

The captain of the ship on offense, I’m excited to see the leap Jenkins takes this year. Already possessing great traits and game experience, it feels that the Panthers’ quarterback has taken a major step forward over the course of this summer’s training camp. In a scheme that aims to put him in the best possible position to succeed, Jenkins will be a very widely known name after this season.

Alex Perry, Wide Receiver

A prototypical X receiver, Perry has shown that he can do a little bit of everything over the spring and fall. It seems that he and Jenkins have developed a strong connection already, too. Keep an eye on the Hawaii transfer as a breakout player who will look to scoop up a good chunk of the production from last year’s offense.

Kenton Simmons, Defensive Lineman

A JUCO transfer, I am a huge fan of Simmons’s game. With upside as both a pass rusher and run defender, the defensive lineman will help the Panthers have another successful year on the defensive side of the ball.

Sleeper Players

Amari Isaac, Wide Receiver

Amari Isaac is going to be good. Already making highlight plays as a true freshman in camp, Isaac has shown good route running, solid hands, and a good feel for spacing. He also looks comfortable on the field, which is not always a guarantee for a young player. It may not be immediate, but the Panthers have another breakout wideout on their hands.

Victor Evans III, Defensive Back

Point blank, he has been my favorite defensive back since I started covering the program back in August. If it translates to the game field, Evans III could be one of the best at his position in the conference.

Anthony Carrie, Running Back

A key member of this FIU backfield, keep an eye on Carrie’s play over the season. With some of the best overall talent in the position group, he has a great shot to find plenty of playing time. And with his vision, burst, and speed, Carrie will provide some great performances in 2025.