For the FIU Panthers, optimism and excitement are plentiful. With head coach Willie Simmons at the helm, FIU is in a position where it could make some noise in C-USA this season. And opening Week 1, it’s a FIU vs. Bethune-Cookman showdown, as the Panthers look to start the 2025 season with a victory.
The Wildcats, even as a lower-level FCS opponent, have some intriguing talent on their roster heading into 2025. They have not had a great record over the past few years, but Bethune-Cookman are not a team that should be overlooked.
FIU vs. Bethune-Cookman: Matchup History
In their short history of playing each other, FIU has never defeated Bethune-Cookman, which is pretty shocking.
The Panthers are 0-4 all-time against the Wildcats, with their most recent matchup coming back in 2014. In that game, FIU lost to Bethune-Cookman by a score of 14-12.
Fun note: Current NFL tight end Jonnu Smith was on that FIU team back in 2014 and had 20 yards receiving in the loss to the Wildcats.
FIU vs. Bethune-Cookman 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions
Key Players for FIU
It is always hard to specifically highlight key players before a team even plays a game. However, there are a few players that could make an immediate impact on Friday night.
On offense, quarterback Keyone Jenkins is set to take another major leap in 2025 after a breakout season last year. Jenkins has taken great strides within the team’s new offensive scheme from the spring until now. He looks decisive, accurate, and has shown the ability to hit throws to all areas of the field. Add in his upper-tier escapability, and Jenkins is someone who has a chance to start the 2025 season on a great note.
Additionally, it’ll be exciting to see how the wideouts for the Panthers look on the field against Bethune-Cookman. Specifically, though, I want to see how Alex Perry hits the ground running.
A Hawaii transfer who has 498 yards and three touchdowns in his career, Perry is your prototypical “X” wide receiver, at least in terms of his frame. He has the skillset to not only win on the outside as a route runner, but also with speed and contested-catch ability. Most interestingly, though, Perry has shown even more versatility within this offensive scheme over the spring and fall camp.
The wideout, being deployed in different ways than just being an outside player, has been very successful in whatever the Panthers have asked of him. Furthermore, he has developed a nice rapport with Jenkins. Perry could be in store for a breakout 2025 season.
On defense, the main player to watch is safety Jessiah McGrew.
A freshman from Tallahassee, Florida, McGrew stood out all camp long whenever I had a chance to cover practice. He not only has the athletic traits of an upper-end player, but also has the mental makeup and mindset of a star player.
Over the short amount of time he has been with the program, McGrew has made the same type of impression on the coaching staff. I am extremely excited to see how his season starts off, and I think he can be a key contributor toward FIU winning this one.
Key Players for Bethune-Cookman
On offense, I am looking at quarterback Timmy McClain. A former USF Bull, UCF Knight, and Arkansas State Redwolf, McClain has shown the ability to make big plays as a passer and rusher.
In both 2021 and 2023, the quarterback had over 1000 yards passing and at least five passing touchdowns. I have no idea how McClain will fare against the Panthers’ defense, but he needs to be a player that FIU monitors in this matchup.
On defense, I am interested to see how cornerback Devin Gunter fares. A redshirt senior from Nevada, the defender will be key for the Wildcats if they want to shut down what looks like a dynamic Panthers’ receiving core.
FIU Keys to Victory
To win their first game of the 2025 season, here is what the Panthers need to do:
- Play disciplined football. The Panthers have much more talent than the Wildcats, but it is very easy to fall behind against any opponent on any given day. If FIU does not commit unnecessary penalties, wins the turnover battle, and avoids mental miscues, the Panthers will cruise to victory.
- Establish the run. The passing attack has the potential to be great. However, the Panthers will set the foundation for it through the run. Whether it is Kejon Owens, Anthony Carrie, or Devonte Lyons, FIU needs to get their stable running early and often against the Wildcats. I think the group is in store for a great game, and could be the key reason the Panthers leave with the victory.
- Fly to the football. The unit did it all spring and summer, but now it is time to do it for real. If the Panthers fly to the football on defense and play with high energy, they will shut down Bethune-Cookman’s offense in a big way.
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Brandyn Pokrass
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2023 with a Communications Degree, a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, and a minor in Broadcasting. Received an M.A. in Communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2024. Wrote for Jets Insider for two years, was previously a beat writer for Jets X-Factor, previously hosted a Knicks podcast for Let's Talk Knicks, and contributed to Inside the Iggles. Currently writes for Metsmerized Online, contributes to Badlands, and contributes video content to Couch Potato Sports Coverage. Avid movie watcher, gym goer, music listener, and overall sports fan.