Despite a tough effort against the South Florida Bulls, an American Athletic Conference program that maxes out in its NIL revenue sharing, the Panthers fell, 19-9, in the season opener. Now, this weekend, they will welcome the Bulls from Buffalo, of the Mid-American Conference, for the first of six games being played at Pitbull Stadium.
AT A GLANCE
FIU Panthers (0-1, 0-0 Conference USA) vs. Buffalo Bulls (1-0, 0-0 MAC)
DAY: Saturday
TIME: 6:00 p.m. ET
LOCATION: Pitbull Stadium, Miami.
TV: ESPN+ (Corey Brooks, play-by-play; Jermon Bushrod, analyst; Billy Gil, analyst, Sydney Jones, sideline).
RADIO: 990 AM La Poderosa (Tony Calatayud, play-by-play; Anthony Calatayud, analyst; and Jose ‘Chambi’ Campos, analyst).
BETTING LINE: Panthers -10.5.
MEET DEANDRE BOYKINS
Boykins, a redshirt senior, transferred to FIU after one season at Oklahoma State, where he appeared in only two games. In the season opener against USF, Boykins started the game in the nickel position and finished with nine total tackles, including four solo, and one tackle for loss. On an FIU defense that has seen a lot of change, Boykins brings Power 4 veteran experience at a position he has played before.
“You get to fly around, hit the box, get to cover guys, get your hands on tight ends and win the C gap,” Boykins said. “I’m a physical kind of player. I try to pride myself on my physicality and my speed to the ball. So that spot is specific for those things. I embrace the position.”
THE KOHL-TO-ANDERSON CONNECTION
In his FIU debut, transfer quarterback JJ Kohl did more than enough to keep his team in the game. He completed 31 passes on 50 attempts, throwing for 301 yards, including one touchdown and two interceptions. Kohl’s yardage total is the most by a transfer quarterback in his Panthers debut.
“Some plays I want back for sure,” Kohl said. “Overall, I think at times where we needed a spark, I could have done a better job of getting a spark going and helping guys on the sideline and communicating a little bit better. We’re able to keep the ball moving, especially on some of those fourth downs…Had some pre-snap penalties too, and I take responsibility for that. I got to communicate better with some of the linemen and everyone else across the board so that doesn’t happen.”
FIU established the passing game well, connecting with nine different receivers. Leading the charge was Maguire Anderson, hauling in a career-high eight receptions for 87 yards.
Last season, Anderson recorded career-high numbers in receptions (25), receiving yards (280) and hauled in a touchdown against the Liberty Flames in overtime. He landed the start against USF on Saturday and rose above the top.
“Such a smart and savvy player,” Kohl said. “I’m able to communicate with him effectively, and whether it be in practice or in the game, I communicate with him. He doesn’t make the same mistake twice, and we’re seeing the field the same way.”
IT’S BEEN 25 YEARS
The 2026 season marks the 25th season of FIU football. Saturday’s game against Buffalo will be the first homage to the program’s short, yet eventful history.
That starts with helmets featuring the original logo worn in the inaugural 2002 season. Members of that 2002 team will also be in attendance and honored at halftime.
“I think it’s very important that our current team recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices that were made by that first team,” coach Willie Simmons said. “I’m thankful that somewhere around the late ’90s, there was a conversation about having a football team at FIU, and whatever it took to put it together and make it a reality, it happened.”
