College football is back. Year two of the Willie Simmons era will get underway on Saturday, September 5, as the FIU Panthers make their way up I-75 to take on first-year head coach Brian Hartline and the USF Bulls.
FIU vs. USF 2026 College Football Preview
Matchup History
This will mark the third matchup between the two teams, but the first since 2006, which took place at FIU. The Bulls have the upper hand in this in-state matchup, having won both times. The last time the Panthers made the trip to Tampa was in 2006, where the Bulls won 21-20 in a nail-biter.
For the Bulls, this will be their final year at Raymond Jame Stadium, as they are set to move to their new on-campus stadium for the 2027 season. On the flip side, this is the first time since 2019 that the Panthers will not play in a college football stadium. That last time was when FIU defeated the Miami Hurricanes at what was called Marlins Park. The last time FIU played in an NFL stadium was at Hard Rock Stadium in 2018.
Key Names To Watch
FIU Panthers
Ryan Gadson, CB
Gadson is a transfer from FCS Lafayette. He is coming off a season where he totaled 67 tackles and three interceptions, notching All-Patriot League First Team honors. Throughout fall camp, Gadson has made a strong impression and will take the field as a starter on Saturday.
USF has a strong core of wide receivers, with seven of the eight transfers coming from the power conference level. Gadson will go up against their top target, whoever that may be.
Kenton Simmons, DL
This USF offensive line is one of the biggest the Panthers will face in 2026. Simmons will have his work cut out because starting at quarterback for the Bulls is LSU transfer Michael Van Buren, who head coach Willie Simmons described as a dual-threat quarterback. So, it is his job along with the rest of this defensive line to contain Van Buren and not allow him to extend plays with his legs. Simmons is coming off a season where he led the team with eight tackles for loss and six sacks.
JJ Kohl, QB
This team will go as far as Kohl will take them. For the Appalachian State transfer, this will be the first time in his career that he begins the season as the starting quarterback. He is coming off a season where he completed 133 passes for 1,465 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Panthers have already made it clear throughout this entire offseason that the team relied too much on former running back Kejon Owens and the rushing attack. With that being said, they will be trying to find a more balanced offensive rhythm in 2026, which will include a lot more pass plays, more notably short passes in hopes of breaking loose for an explosive play. FIU has the right players to succeed in yards after the catch.
Kyle McNeal, WR
McNeal has been one of the biggest improvers from 2025 to 2026. Although FIU brought in Rhode Island transfer Greg Gaines III, McNeal knows this offense well and early on, he may be relied on more. He is also going to be more of an easy target with his ability to make something happen after the pass. Gaines may truly be a down-the-field big-play target in 2026.
USF Bulls
C.J. Hicks, DE
Hicks has generated a lot of buzz and is expected to be a major part of this South Florida defense. He’s been recognized for being able to play multiple positions along the defense and for being a powerhouse that is difficult to stop. The former five-star recruit from Ohio State is expected to produce heavily and has also grown to be a well respected team leader. It’s pretty safe to say that the opposing offense should have an eye on C.J. at all times.
Michael Van Buren Jr., QB
While this might be sort of stating the obvious, as Van Buren won the job of starting QB, he’ll be leading the team in more ways than one. However, his role extends beyond that.
While he’ll be the pioneer of moving the ball down the field, he’ll also be one of the main voices in the huddle and who the team will look toward. While his execution on the field will be crucial, it’s also the first game of the season and with many variables still to play out, how he fosters team chemistry might me the most important aspect above anything else.
Tavin Ward, SAF
Ward is one of five returners from last season, and one of two on the defense along with DE Michael Williams. After consistently being one of the top leaders in tackles and a prominent voice in USF’s secondary, he’s projected to produce big once again. While he missed this past spring due to injury, Tavin bounced right back in camp and will lead the charge once again in his fifth season as a Bull.
DJ Crowther, RB
In the backfield, Crowther increasingly gained attention for his abilities and what he’s been able to showcase. He was consistently seen taking the first reps with quarterback Michael Van Buren and produced heavily in his four seasons at Dartmouth. D.J. will likely be a leader in the running back unit.
Keys To Victory
Florida International
Contain the Bulls rushing offense
The Bulls return running back Alvon Isaac to that room. He ran for 350 yards on 73 carries last season. He was named to the 2026 Paul Hornung Award Watch List. Along with Isaac, Dartmouth transfer D.J. Crowther will be someone to keep an eye out for, who seemingly has been relied on more. Van Buren can also extend plays with his feet and use his speed to his advantage.
There are some question marks in FIU’s defense, but defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt believes that the speed of his defense will be one that can contain this South Florida team from any explosive plays.
Win in the trenches
You will read the same exact key on the USF side, but it’s the truth. This game on Saturday will be won or lost in the trenches. FIU has experience returning on the offensive line, but the Bulls’ defensive line includes Ohio State transfer C.J. Hicks and returner Michael Williams II. On the flip side, the Bulls’ offensive line will likely be the best that this FIU defensive line will see in 2026.
South Florida
Halt QB JJ Kohl
South Florida’s defense has a challenging task ahead of them going against Panther’s QB JJ Kohl. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 250 pounds, containing him will be essential in preventing momentum from FIU’s offense.
Utilize the depth
The Bulls have playmakers all over the field and there’s depth in every position group on both sides of the ball. Utilizing every force could help give them a leg up in difficult situations or provide an alternative perspective. In the season-opener, there may be aspects of the game that are trial and error.
USF: Win in the trenches
The size, power, and athleticism of USF’s offensive and defensive lines was a popular topic throughout the course of fall camp. There are high expectations for both of these units and winning the battles in the trenches will not only protect Van Buren and allow the play to develop, but give the offense a jumpstart in progressing. Similarly for the defense, getting through to Kohl and slowing play at the line will halt FIU from progressing.
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