Year two of the Willie Simmons era at FIU is set to begin on September 5, on the road against first-year USF head coach Brian Hartline. The Panthers head into the season with 57 returners, 23 transfers and 28 incoming freshmen. Of the 108-player roster, 77 are from the state of Florida. We’ll dive into the team, their opponents, and the FIU football schedule for the 2026 season, along with record predictions from both Kevin Barral and Brandyn Pokrass.
FIU Football: 2026 Season Preview and Schedule Predictions
Game 1: at USF Bulls
The major storyline surrounding the Bulls and first-year head coach Brian Hartline was the quarterback battle. It stood between LSU transfer Michael Van Buren and Mississippi State transfer Luke Kromenhoek. On Monday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the former won the quarterback battle and will face FIU Week 1.
Van Buren saw action in seven games last year, starting the last four games of the season, including the Texas Bowl. He completed 94 passes for 1,010 yards, eight touchdowns against two interceptions. The Tigers finished 2025 with a 7-6 record.
Before his time in Baton Rouge, the junior quarterback played at Mississippi State and started the final eight games at quarterback for the Bulldogs in 2024. In 10 games that year, he completed 140 passes for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Bulldogs went 2-10 that season.
Outside of the quarterback position, strengths for this South Florida team are in the wide receiver room. That room includes Ohio State transfer Bryson Rodgers, former UTEP receiver Kenny Odom, and key returner Mudia Reube, among others.
This Bulls offensive line has some serious size. Returning is Thomas Shrader (6-foot-5, 312 pounds), who will take over one of the guard spots. Transfers include Michael Wooten (Arizona), Cash Hudson (Mississippi State) and Caleb Cook (Georgia Southern). That final guard spot is still being decided.
In tandem with the offensive line, the running attack should be one of the Bulls’ main strengths. DJ Crowther and Jason Collins Jr., transfers from Dartmouth and Morgan State, respectively, are two very talented players who are in position to lead the room for the Bulls. Chase Garnett is a key returner who should play a role in 2026, while players like Alvon Isaac and Tray Kinkle could make an impact with their touches as well.
Defensively, it will be essentially a new group for USF. They return 36-percent of last year’s production, which ranks No. 112 in the country. Leading the way will be edge rushers C.J. Hicks (Ohio State) and Terry Simmons (Duke). The linebacker room will have returner Zavier Hamilton, but Hartline brought in three Power Conference transfers: Michael Harris (Maryland), Grayson Howard (Florida) and Sam Robinson (Rutgers).
The unit also brings in a very fun defensive coordinator in Josh Aldridge. Helming the defense for East Carolina in 2025, the Pirates consistently generated turnovers and were stout in the red zone. This unit had to be on the field a lot last season, but last season doesn’t matter. Aldridge should have this unit ready to roll in Week 1, and there is a very real possibility it is immediately better than South Florida’s 2025 unit.
Game Prediction
Kevin: FIU is catching USF at the right time. However, the firepower and experience on offense will just be too much for this Panthers team. Brian Hartline and the Bulls will win their first game of the season by a final score of 21-14.
Prediction: Loss (0-1)
Brandyn: FIU has the potential to give the Bulls a scare in this game, but I do not think they will be able to fully get the job done. I have questions about the Panthers’ trenches on both sides of the ball against USF, and I think the overall offense will not be firing on all cylinders right off the bat. FIU starts off the season with a loss.
Prediction: Loss (0-1)
Game 2: versus Buffalo Bulls
Overall, this Bulls team has 30-percent returning production, which ranks No. 135 in college football. They are coming off a 5-7 season, missing out on a bowl game and dropping their final three games of the 2025 season.
Despite so much turnover, wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings is one of the few returners remaining. After transferring from UConn, Gathings hauled in 36 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns. The North Carolina native also made 11 appearances (started 10 games) and finished third on the team in receiving. With the departure of Nik McMillan and Victor Snow, Gathings becomes the team’s top wideout. He was also named to the All-MAC first team (Phil Steele).
A major question for head coach Pete Lembo is who will throw the ball to Gathings when the Panthers welcome the Bulls. Last year, it was Ta’Quan Roberson, but he has since exhausted his eligibility. Others who got into games at quarterback last season were Gunnar Gray (no longer with the program) and Jason Wright. Of those two names, Wright remains with the program. In the battle for the starting quarterback job are Mason Cumbie, the aforementioned Wright, and Elijah Holmes. In his first media availability of the fall, Lembo told reporters there is no timetable for a decision and that they may play two guys in the game.
The secondary will challenge the Panthers. They return cornerbacks Keontez Bradley and Kobi Blackwell and at safety, Miles Greer will be a pivotal piece.
Game Predictions
Kevin: There are a lot of questions surrounding this Buffalo team, and the two-quarterback system usually doesn’t tend to work. FIU is clearly the more established roster, so FIU will defeat the Bulls 49-14.
Prediction: Win (1-1)
Brandyn: Regardless of what happens in Week 1, I see the Panthers earning the win at home against Buffalo. FIU’s offense should take more strides against what should be an inferior opponent, especially when it comes to the ground game. Defensively, this should be a game where the overall unit takes more strides forward. Keep an eye on the defensive line in this game.
Prediction: Win (1-1)
Game 3: at Florida Atlantic Owls
For the first time since 2016, FIU defeated the Owls in the Shula Bowl, now in a position to defend the trophy rather than reclaim it. This time, the Panthers are the ones on the move, going to Boca Raton, where they have not beaten the Owls since 2012.
Right away, what stands out is that head coach Zach Kittley and his team have the highest returning production rate in the Group of Six (64-percent). Amongst that returning production are quarterback Caden Veltkamp and wide receiver Easton Messer.
Veltkamp dominated in the Shula Bowl last season, completing 33 passes for 343 yards, two passing and one rushing touchdown. The downside was that he threw three interceptions in that game. Veltkamp enters the 2026 season being placed on the Maxwell Award Watch List, Phil Steele’s Magazine second-team member, third-team member for Athlon Sports and is a member of the 1000 preseason Shriners Bowl watch list.
Messer caught 104 passes for 1,052 yards and six touchdowns. He enters the 2026 season named to the preseason All-Conference First Teams by Phil Steele and Athlon Magazine. Most recently, Messer was named to the preseason Paul Hornung Award Watch List.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Owls return the team’s leading tackler, linebacker Leon Hart Jr. In 2025, Hart posted 96 total tackles (33 solo/63 assisted), 4.5 tackles for loss, one pass deflection and forced fumble. He earned third-team American Conference honors at season’s end. FAU returns 65-percent of its defense, which is 14th in the country.
Game Predictions
Kevin: This will be a tight game all the way through. Although you may assume the Owls have the slight edge thanks to their home-field advantage, the South Florida heat and short drive don’t impact FIU all that much. They win the Shula Bowl for a second consecutive year by a final score of 28-21.
Prediction: Win (2-1)
Brandyn: Expect this game to be very close. Both the Owls and Panthers have the potential to have talented offenses in 2026, and I expect a good number of points in this game. The Shula Bowl, in my eyes, will be decided by the defenses and the trenches this season. Whatever team can generate more stops and control the line of scrimmage, whether on offense or defense, will win this game. It is a toss-up who will win this game, but with FAU being the home team, I slightly lean toward the Owls in this matchup. FIU moves to 1-2 on the season.
Prediction: Loss (1-2)
Game 4: versus LIU Sharks
The last time the Panthers and the Sharks squared off was two head coaches ago in 2021, the final year of the Butch Davis and Pete Garcia era. FIU went 1-11 after a dominant 48-10 victory. In 2025, the Sharks posted a 6-6 record, including a 28-23 win over FBS Eastern Michigan.
Game Predictions
Kevin: Not much to say here aside from if there is any indication of how last year’s season-opening win against Bethune-Cookman went, FIU should defeat the Sharks pretty handily. Final score: 56-10.
Prediction: Win (3-1)
Brandyn: After a loss to FAU, the Panthers bounce back in a major way against LIU. They earn a much-needed victory ahead of opening up conference play the following week against New Mexico State.
Prediction: Win (2-2)
Game 5: versus New Mexico State Aggies
FIU welcomes the Aggies back to Pitbull Stadium for the first time since 2024, when the Panthers won by a final score of 34-13. Originally, this game was scheduled to be played in Las Cruces, where FIU hasn’t been since 2023. However, Louisiana Tech’s departure to the Sun Belt changed the schedule.
One fun fact: former FIU offensive coordinator David Yost is now at New Mexico State in the same position. In his first season running the Aggies’ offense, they averaged 21.6 points per game and 327.9 yards per game. On top of that, they had the fifth-ranked passing offense and the worst rushing offense in the league.
On the player side for the Aggies, they return star wide receiver TK King, who hauled in 41 receptions for 588 yards and three touchdowns in eight games played. Furman transfer Trey Hedden will throw the ball to King. The Jupiter, Florida native is coming off a season where he threw for 2,967 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Game Predictions
Kevin: Despite some firepower on offense, this Aggies team underwent a lot of turnover and still is just a couple of rebuilding years away from truly competing in Conference USA. Just like 2024, they will struggle against FIU. Final score: 35-10.
Prediction: Win (4-1)
Brandyn: Having another home game, FIU wins another game to get back above .500 in the 2026 season. Expect the offense to roll in this game, especially the passing game. I also think the Panthers’ defensive line, facing an inferior unit, should have plenty of success.
Prediction: Win (3-2)
Game 6: at Jacksonville State Gamecocks
The Panthers clinched their first bowl berth since 2019 at Pitbull Stadium against these Gamecocks. For the first time since 2024, FIU will travel to Jacksonville, Alabama.
Returning for the Gamecocks is quarterback Caden Creel, who played in all 14 games (nine starts), completed 130 passes for 1,514 yards and nine touchdowns. On the ground, he ran for 1,205 yards and seven touchdowns. He will be the team’s starting quarterback in Week 1 when the Gamecocks travel to Fargo.
The Gamecocks are losing running back Cam Cook, who ran for 1,743 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. He is now off to West Virginia. Khristian Lando was second among running backs in rushing yards with 201 yards and one touchdown.
Deandre Johnson, who stands at 6-foot-8, is coming back for the Gamecocks as well. He caught 28 passes for 689 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, they return linebacker Mac Sanders. He led the team with 85 total tackles (46 solo/39 assisted), 11.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes deflected and one forced fumble.
Game Predictions
Kevin: Playing on the road is never easy, but adding a weekday CUSA game on top of that makes it even tougher. Jax State returns key contributors from last season’s roster and regardless of turnover, their offense is so special that they will always turn any running back into one of the best in the conference. On top of that, having a nice core of receivers adds a new element to the offense that they haven’t had since joining the conference. Jax State will snap FIU’s three-game winning streak. Final score: 34-21.
Prediction: Loss (4-2)
Brandyn: Outside of the FAU and USF games, this is the first real test for the Panthers in 2026. Jacksonville State will be a tough test for FIU’s defense, especially when considering the talent of players like Creel and Deondre Johnson. But unlike earlier in the season, I think the Panthers will get the job done on the road. The offense will carry the team in this game, and I think the defense, led by players like Shamir Sterlin and Josiah Taylor, will do the job. FIU moves to 4-2 with a key conference win.
Prediction: Win (4-2)
Game 7: versus Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
Last season, Willie Simmons and his staff defeated the Blue Raiders in Murfreesboro for the first time since 2011.
Going into his third season as head coach of the Blue Raiders, Derek Mason’s quarterback will not be Nick Vattiato. Instead it will be his backup, Roman Gagliano. The redshirt sophomore played in five games last season, completing 78 passes for 1,005 yards and seven touchdowns. Gagliano also finished second on the team with 256 rushing yards (two touchdowns). He was named CUSA Freshman of the Week following his performance against Western Kentucky.
The Blue Raiders’ leading receiver in 2025, Cam’ron Lacy, is back. In 2025, he hauled in 38 receptions for 549 yards and three touchdowns. AJ Jones finished sixth on the team in receptions (28), but only one player ahead of him is returning to the program: the aforementioned Cam’ron Lacy.
Kevin: Similar to New Mexico State, Blue Raiders head coach Derek Mason is on the hot seat and with plenty of turnover, including a new quarterback and defense, they just aren’t ready to compete at the highest level of Conference USA. FIU wins 21-7.
Prediction: Win (5-2)
Brandyn: Getting the Blue Raiders at home this season, do not expect the Panthers to struggle with their long-time foe in Week 7. FIU rolls past Middle Tennesse for another win, moving to 5-2 ahead of a major clash with Liberty on the road.
Prediction: Win (5-2)
Game 8: at Liberty Flames
One of the wildest games of the 2025 season was FIU defeating the Flames in overtime to get one win away from bowl eligibility. That Flames team went 4-8 and, since then, have reloaded through the portal.
The Flames added Wake Forest quarterback transfer Deshawn Purdie through the transfer portal. After a season at Charlotte where he threw for 1,802 yards and 10 touchdowns, he transferred to Wake Forest, where in eight games, he completed 41 passes for 618 yards and six touchdowns.
Along with addressing the quarterback position, head coach Jamey Chadwell reloaded on offense, adding Arizona State running back Kanye Udoh, Charleston Southern wide receiver Rashawn Cunningham, North Carolina Central receiver Refeno Vangates and Florida State running back Kam Davis.
Cunningham and Vangates, both coming from the FCS ranks, had successful seasons. Cunningham caught 33 passes for 604 yards and seven touchdowns while Vangates had 26 receptions for 352 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Kam Davis was a former four-star recruit and played in four games last season, rushing for 51 yards and a touchdown. Along with Davis, the Flames added Duke transfer Peyton Jones, who played in four games last season but in 2024 played in 13 games, rushing for 317 yards and three touchdowns. To round out the trio of running backs added in the portal, Terron Kellman is a transfer from Wyoming, where he ran for 331 yards and four touchdowns.
Game Predictions
Kevin: This will be a closer game than anticipated, but the Flames rushing attack, with a strong core of experienced receivers, will be too much for the Panthers to handle. Flames win 35-17.
Prediction: Loss (5-3)
Brandyn: Liberty is a team I expect to rebound in a big way in 2026, and as a result, this game is one of the more difficult ones for the Panthers this season. Led by Deshawn Purdie, the Flames’ offense will be a tough one for the Panthers to slow down. FIU will battle hard in this game, but they fall just short on the road.
Prediction: Loss (5-3)
Game 9: versus Missouri State Bears
Missouri State is the only team in Conference USA with a new head coach, former SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods.
Woods recently announced that UTEP transfer Skyler Locklear will be the team’s starting quarterback to begin the season. Last season with the Miners, he completed 117 passes for 1,418 yards and 13 touchdowns, while throwing 11 interceptions. He joined head coach Scotty Walden before the 2024 season and was named the team’s starter.
Wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson is back for the Bears. He hauled in 44 receptions for 632 yards with seven touchdowns. He was listed on the Conference USA Preseason Watch List.
Last season’s leading tackler, linebacker Jared Lloyd, is back for the 2026 season. He finished 2025 with 77 total tackles (33 solo/44 assisted), 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He was also to the preseason watch list. Defensive lineman Tim Brantley Jr. is another name to keep an eye on for the Bears, and another returner for the team. The Bears’ defense will be the name of the game in 2026, returning 44-percent of last year’s production, which ranked 95th in the country.
Game Predictions
Kevin: This is not the same Missouri State team from last season. They return 34-percent of last year’s production and took a major hit on offense despite some returners. Having a quarterback who is familiar with Conference USA helps as well. Frankly, FIU should’ve defeated the Bears last season and they will in 2026. Final score: 27-16.
Prediction: Win (6-3)
Brandyn: Coming off a loss to Liberty, the Panthers respond well and defeat Missouri State back at Pitbull Stadium. Breaking in a new head coach and plenty of new pieces on both sides of the ball, the Bears will likely have plenty of growing pains in 2026.
Prediction: Win (6-3)
Game 10: at Delaware Blue Hens
Delaware comes into 2026 with the highest returning production rate in Conference USA (62-percent). Among that returning production is quarterback Nick Minicucci, who was named Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He is coming off a season where he threw for 3,683 yards and 23 touchdowns as the Blue Hens reached their first bowl game berth in year one as an FBS program.
On the defensive side of the ball, safety KT Seay will be a name to watch. Returning for the Blue Hens, Seay posted 91 total tackles (62 solo/29 assisted), 5.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Defensive lineman Noah Matthews posted 31 total tackles (18 solo/13 assisted), seven tackles for loss, and two sacks. These two will anchor the Delaware defense.
Game Predictions
Kevin: The Blue Hens blew the breaks off the Panthers in 2025. That likely won’t be the case in 2026. However, Delaware will squeak past FIU thanks to their home-field advantage and returning production, which will play a major role in their year-to-year expected improvement. Final score: 28-21.
Prediction: Loss (6-4)
Brandyn: An underrated “Game of the Year” pick in Conference USA, the Panthers and Blue Hens should put on a show in Week 10. Delaware’s offense is legit when running the ball and throwing it; quarterback Nick Minicucci and Jo Silver are two of my favorite overall players to watch in the conference. This will be a close game and a battle that will test FIU on both sides of the ball. But thanks to some of their previous games and battles, FIU finds a way to get revenge for 2025 and notch a big road victory.
Prediction: Win (7-3)
Game 11: at Kennesaw State Owls
The Owls are coming off one of the biggest year-to-year improvements in college football. That included winning the Conference USA championship game against Jacksonville State. On top of that, they extended head coach Jerry Mack after he received some interest for vacant head coaching jobs.
Starting quarterback Amari Odom hit the transfer portal, creating a quarterback battle. Syracuse transfer Rickie Collins was named the starter for the Owls. In seven games last season, Collins completed 97 passes for 1,042 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
One of the biggest returners in Conference USA is linebacker Baron Hopson, who was named Conference USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He posted 138 total tackles (66 solo/72 assisted), nine tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks and one interception in 2025.
Game Predictions
Kevin: The Owls lost production from last season and Rickie Collins still has a lot of question marks. By this time, a quarterback change can be made and the destiny of these teams may be known. FIU will go into Kennesaw and defeat the Owls in blowout fashion. Final score: 45-16.
Prediction: Win (7-4)
Brandyn: Is this a potential letdown spot for the Panthers after beating Delaware? Absolutely. Kennesaw State, even after losing multiple key contributors from their Conference USA title-winning team, has the talent to be a factor this season. I think Rickie Collins can be a nice factor for the Owls at quarterback, and they have some pieces on defense as well. However, with FIU rolling at this point of the season, I do not see them slowing down against the Owls.
Prediction: Win (8-3)
Game 11: versus Sam Houston State Bearkats
The Bearkats will have second-year quarterback Landyn Locke leading the charge. In his freshman season, Locke completed 71 passes for 765 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, safety Tyler Bailey finished third on the team with 49 total tackles. He will be back for the Bearkats.
Game Predictions
Kevin: This Sam Houston State team got better, but not good enough to compete in 2026. The Panthers will go undefeated at home and defeat the Bearkats. Final score: 36-6.
Prediction: Win (8-4)
Brandyn: To close out the regular season, FIU hosts Sam Houston, and they should have no problems in this game. Expect the Panthers to continue to roll on both sides of the ball and cruise to an easy victory. FIU finishes the season in prime contention for a Conference USA title game shot.
Prediction: Win (9-3)
FIU Football Team Overview and Predictions
Breakout Player, Offense
Kevin: Kyle McNeal, Wide Receiver
“A year makes a difference,” is what FIU wide receiver coach Jelani Berassa said regarding McNeal. In 2025, the Panthers wideout hauled in 31 receptions for 310 yards and a touchdown. He weighed 175 pounds last season and, over the offseason, put on 10 pounds, now going into 2026 at 185 pounds.
This offseason, McNeal received team awards for most improved in the weight room and on the field for a second consecutive offseason. Throughout camp, McNeal has shown just that and with the expectation that FIU will be passing the ball more than running it in 2026, expect McNeal to be a big part of what they do offensively.
Brandyn: Kyle McNeal, Wide Receiver
McNeal has simply been awesome during the spring and in fall camp for the Panthers. His route running has been upper-tier, his speed is still great, and his ability to play through contact has improved considerably. In an offense that wants to be vertical and more explosive, I expect a big 2026 from McNeal. I am very excited to see what he does with the Panthers.
Breakout Player, Defense
Kevin: Ryan Gadson, Cornerback
Gadson, a transfer from Lafayette, came to FIU to be closer to home and because he believed in the vision of head coach Willie Simmons and the coaching staff. He is coming off a season in which, in 10 games played, he posted 67 total tackles (53 solo/14 assisted), three tackles for loss, 16 deflected passes, and three interceptions. Gadson was named to the All-Patriot League First Team following the regular season.
Since arriving on campus, Gadson has been lining up with the first team and has maintained the level of play he showed at Lafayette in practices and now through two scrimmages, continuing to be the top cornerback. Once the depth chart is officially released, expect Gadson to be covering an opposing team’s top wide receiver.
Brandyn: Lawrence Johnson, Cornerback
An FAU transfer, Lawrence Johnson looks ready for a breakout campaign in 2026. He has the coverage skills and physicality to thrive in every aspect of the game. In both the spring and the fall, Johnson has been dominant in coverage and looks like one of the best defensive backs on the team. He will be tested early and often in 2026, but I believe Johnson has the ability to fill in for some of the key losses that FIU had in the secondary.
Sleepers to Watch
Kevin
Elisha Baldridge, Defensive Lineman
Baldridge is a Division II transfer from Ashland College. In 13 games last year, he posted 90 tackles (35 solo/55 assists), 16.0 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. In High School, he was also a wrestler, finishing in third place at the Ohio State wrestling meet as a senior
Despite being one of the final transfers to join the program, the redshirt junior has been a consistent part of the defensive line rotation. Expect him to play quite a bit for the Panthers, especially on third downs given his ability to quickly get to the quarterback and disrupt the pass game.
Devonte Lyons, Running Back
Last season, the St. Augustine native ran for 142 yards and one touchdown on 37 carries in 13 games. With the departure of Kejon Owens, expect a combo of Lyons, Anthony Carrie, and Sterling Joseph to all get some run, but it may be the pure talent and speed that Lyons possesses that may get him to play the most. That may not happen right away, but once we get to conference play, it can.
Brandyn
Dante Anderson, Defensive Lineman
Working opposite of Kenton Simmons, Dante Anderson is another key player in the trenches for FIU. Anderson is stout against the run and has shown some impressive pass-rushing skill, especially down the stretch of the 2025 season. I am very intrigued to see how he progresses this season. If he takes a leap, this FIU defensive line could be a strength of the team.
Barrett Schulz, Wide Receiver
Other names to watch here are Tyson Carter and Eric Nelson Jr., two extremely talented wideouts who I think can make an impact with enough playing time. But arguably the most exciting “non-starter” name at wideout is Barrett Schulz, a freshman from Lake Mary. A towering presence, Schulz has made some impressive plays during fall camp, especially in vertical or jump ball situations. His route running is impressive for his size, as well as his speed. Keep an eye on Schulz. If he sees the field early, there is a chance he does not give that playing time up so easily.
Team MVP
Kevin: Shamir Sterlin, Safety
Sterlin is likely the best overall player on this FIU football roster. He is coming off a season where he was named to All-CUSA Honorable Mention and All-CUSA All-Freshman Team. Going into 2026, he was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watchlist.
Throughout the offseason, Sterlin seems to be making at least one or two big plays a day. The program views Sterlin as the undisputed leader of the defense, and rightfully so. Expect a big year from the redshirt sophomore.
Brandyn: Shamir Sterlin, Safety
Not only does Shamir Sterlin have a claim to be the best defender on the team, but he has a claim to be the best player on the team. The defensive back was dynamic as a run defender and in coverage last season. And in fall camp, Sterlin has been everywhere. He is making more plays in coverage, especially as a deep defender. And against the run, Sterlin has looked even better than he did last season. I am extremely excited for what the defensive back can do in this scheme once again, and he will be a huge aspect of the Panthers’ 2026 success.
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