FIU’s football program announced its complete schedule for the 2026 season on Mar. 13, outlining a slate that includes four non-conference games and eight Conference USA matchups.
The announcement comes as the Panthers prepare for their second year under head coach Willie Simmons, following a season that saw the team reach its first bowl game since 2019. The new schedule is significant as it reflects both traditional rivalries and new opponents, providing fans with a mix of familiar contests and first-time meetings.
The Panthers will open their season on Sept. 5 in Tampa against USF, marking their first meeting with the Bulls since 2008. Their home opener follows on Sept. 12 against Buffalo at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium, which will be the teams’ inaugural matchup. FIU then travels to Boca Raton for the annual Shula Bowl against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 19; last season, FIU reclaimed the Shula Bowl Trophy with a win over FAU.
The non-conference portion concludes at home versus LIU on Sept. 26, a team FIU previously defeated in February 2021. Conference play begins Oct. 1 at Jax State, where FIU secured bowl eligibility last year with a victory over the Gamecocks. The CUSA home opener is set for Oct. 8 against Louisiana Tech, followed by another home game after a bye week when Middle Tennessee visits on Oct. 20.
October features three weekday nationally televised games before concluding with an away contest at Liberty on Halloween night, where FIU broke a losing streak to the Flames last year in overtime. November brings home games against Sam Houston and road trips to Delaware—marking their first-ever visit—and New Mexico State before closing out the regular season at home versus Missouri State.
All kickoff times and television details will be announced later.
