MIAMI — FIU's football team travels to Jax State on Tuesday evening for a Weekday Conference USA (CUSA) matchup, airing on ESPNU at 8 p.m. in Jacksonville, Ala.
Series History
Series Record: FIU trails 3-1
Last Meeting: FIU def. Jax State, 27-21 (Nov. 22, 2026)
Willie Simmons vs. Jax State: 1–0
How To Follow
Fans can follow along with the game on variety of platforms. The matchup will air live on ESPNU and also be available via radio on 990 AM La Poderosa. Live stats will also be available on fiusports.com/FBStats.
Official Kick-Off
8:02 p.m. ET | 7:02 p.m. CT
Broadcast — ESPNU
Play-by-Play: Pete Souza
Analyst: Leger Douzable
Radio — 990 AM La Poderosa
Play-by-Play: Tony Calatayud
Analyst: Anthony Calatayud
Analyst: Jose 'Chambi' Campos
Game Preview
Following another dominant defensive performance in a CUSA-opening win over New Mexico State, FIU takes its talents to Alabama to take on Jax State in a Tuesday Night showdown. The Panthers and Aggies face off as two of the three undefeated teams in CUSA for a pivotal matchup that, although early in the conference season, could go a long way in determining the final standings.
Jax State sits at 2-0 and is tied with Liberty for first place currently, also having qualified for the CUSA title game in both of the last two seasons. FIU continues its vertical climb under Simmons in Year Two with the quest for a conference title game appearance of its own firmly in sight after its 1-0 start. A win over the Gamecocks on Tuesday night would not only put the Panthers in control of their own destiny, but it would also mark the program's first 2-0 start in CUSA play since 2018.
This will truly be a clash of good-on-good as Jax State's high-powered offense will face off with FIU's stout defense, which has simply been one of the best in the country through five games. Considering both of the last two meetings between these two teams have come down to the wire, fans can expect another 'instant classic' on national television under the lights.
For FIU and Simmons, this is a massive opportunity for a marquee win over a strong in-conference opponent. For Jax State, the Gamecocks are building another strong campaign after defeating defending-champ Kennesaw State and aim for a 3-0 start in CUSA play before its bye week.
FIU Notes
- The Panthers are in search of their second-straight victory over the Gamecocks following a dramatic 27-21 win last season in Miami that secured bowl eligibility for FIU for the first time since the 2019 campaign.
- FIU's defense is the only defense in the nation to have surrendered four touchdowns or less in 2026.
- The defense is currently fourth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense nationally, allowing just 12.2 points per game.
- The Panthers defeated New Mexico State 22-3 on their VICE Night last Wednesday behind three takeaways from the defense and 37:54 in time of possession. FIU's 37:54 time of possession was their most TOP since Oct. 5, 2019 vs. UMass and ninth-most all-time in a single game.
- DeeJay Holmes Jr. enters Tuesday night's matchup with a sack in five consecutive games, a program record. He's also one of just four players nationally to have sacks in five or more consecutive games in 2026.
- The Panther defense has not surrendered in a touchdown in its last 11 quarters, last giving up a TD in the first quarter at Fla. Atlantic. This also marks the first time in program history that FIU gave up three points or less in back-to-back games.
- FIU center Daveion Harley was a part of Jax State's CUSA Championship-winning team in 2024.
- This will be the Panthers' first game outside of the state of Florida this season and first road trip of the year via airplane.
Matchup Notes
- FIU and Jax State meet for the fifth time in program history on Tuesday evening in Alabama as two of three Conference USA programs that are undefeated in CUSA play.
- Jax State enters this tilt as the second-ranked scoring and total offense in CUSA while FIU sits atop the league in both scoring and total defense.
- Road teams are currently 2-4 in Weekday CUSA play. Additionally, only one of the six games thus far was decided by one score or less (Jax State's 27-26 win over Kennesaw State).
- FIU and Jax State have played two highly-competitive games in their last two meetings, of which were separated by a combined nine points.
- In last season's victory at Pitbull Stadium, Josiah Taylor and Dante Anderson both forced key fumbles in the fourth quarter.
- In the Jax State win in Jacksonville in 2024, Devonte Lyons rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown in that contest to lead the FIU offense.
Jax State
- Jax State QB Caden Creel leads the Gamecocks in both passing and rushing yards and ranks first and third, respectively, in CUSA in those categories.
- The Gamecocks have the second-ranked scoring offense and third-ranked scoring defense in the conference.
- Caleb Nix, Jax State's star defensive back, is the brother of Denver Broncos' QB Bo Nix. Additionally, his father was a former coach for the Gamecocks.
- 6-8 Wide Receiver De'ondre Johnson is one of the tallest receivers in all of the FBS. Although they play on the same side of the ball, this game will feature Johnson as one of the FBS' tallest receivers and JJ Kohl, FIU's QB, who is the tallest starting QB in the FBS. Johnson also led the NCAA in yards per reception last season.
- Jax State has 21 players from Florida on its roster.
- The Gamecocks' loss to FIU last season was their only regular season loss in CUSA play.
- Jax State has appeared in the last two CUSA Championship games, winning in 2024 before falling to Kennesaw State in 2025.
FIU Athletics App
Fans are encouraged to download the Official FIU Athletics App for all FIU Athletics News and Digital Content, of which can be found searching 'FIU Athletics' in the App Store on both Android and iOS-based devices. Inside the app, fans will find the Panther Rewards program, of which rewards fans for attending FIU Athletics event with points that can be used for prizes.
Weekly Media Availabilities
Best of Social Media
The Willie Simmons Coach's Show
The Panthers have partnered with Twin Peaks Doral, one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the entire franchise, for a weekly show with first-year Head Coach Willie Simmons and other special guests. Host Corey Brooks will sit down with Coach Simmons to discuss all facets of Panther football, with an emphasis on recapping the previous week's match-ups and previewing the upcoming game. For more information, click here.
25th Season Celebration, Presented by Miccosukee Casino and Resort
The 2026 season for the Panthers officially marks FIU's 25th season of football competition, dating back to the Panthers' first-ever season in 2002. Over that time period, FIU has qualified for six bowl games, secured six Shula Bowl victories and produced countless NFL players, including Pro Bowlers T.Y Hilton and Jonnu Smith. The program has also seen many legendary coaches and outstanding players pass through the Panther facilities throughout its history, creating a litany of incredible moments experienced by Panther Nation.
Fans can be expected to be taken on a journey back to the inception of the program all the way up to the present day, recognizing the standard set by the first teams and acknowledging how many past Panthers have helped to build on that legacy. All of this will lead up and continue through the 25th official season in 2026, the second under head coach Willie Simmons, following one of the most historic seasons on record in his first year on the sidelines.
As the campaign begins with a variety of content in the coming weeks, visit our one-stop shop for the 25th Season Celebration. In conjunction with this, fans are encouraged to follow along with the many highly-engaging pieces of content recognizing the past that will be released on FIU Football's social media channels, listed below.
Social Media
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
