The FIU football program, led under second year head coach Willie Simmons, took the field for the first of three spring practices.
After a 7-6 season, which included a win over their rivals — Florida Atlantic, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee — along with an undefeated month of November and clinching their first bowl berth since 2019, the expectation for the program is to make a bowl game and then compete for the Conference USA championship.
For the Panthers, after having quarterback Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky under center last season, it’ll be a new look for Simmons’ offense. JJ Kohl, who is 245 pounds and stands at 6 feet and 7 inches, comes from Appalachian State. In eight games, he completed 133 passes for 1,465 yards and 12 touchdowns. After having a smaller and quicker quarterback, Kohl will be a pass-first option who also provides sneaky speed.
The Panthers’ spring game will take place on April 11 at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium.
