As we reach a standstill in what has been a busy offseason for head coach Willie Simmons and the FIU football program, we now have the full 2026 schedule.
The first five games of the season are all in the state of Florida. The Panthers kick the season off in Tampa to face the South Florida Bulls. It will mark the first matchup between these two teams since 2008. FIU is 0-2 all-time against USF.
After a meeting with Buffalo for the home opener on September 12, the Panthers take I-95 to Boca Raton to defend the Shula Bowl trophy in search of their first win on the road against Florida Atlantic since 2012.
FIU’s home game against New Mexico State will mark the first of four straight nationally televised games.
The final four games of the season have yet to receive a TV designation, but will be on an ESPN platform. In all likelihood, they will all be on ESPN+.
Overall, it will be five straight games in Florida, six road/homes games and the only team that FIU will not face this season is Western Kentucky, which FIU took down in Bowling Green last season.
