MIAMI – As FIU football continues its 25 Moments in 25 Seasons series, we revisit one of the greatest individual performances in program history from tight end Jonnu Smith. On Nov. 15, 2014, Smith turned in a career day, hauling in eight receptions for 140 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 38-28 Conference USA victory over Middle Tennessee.
BUILT ON TALENT
A native of Ocala, Florida, Smith arrived at FIU as one of the nation's top tight end prospects in the Class of 2012. Blessed with elite athleticism and size, he quickly emerged as one of the Panthers' most dynamic offensive weapons.
As a freshman in 2013, Smith earned Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors after leading FIU with 39 receptions, becoming the first Panther freshman since T.Y. Hilton to lead the team in catches.
Smith elevated his game during his sophomore campaign in 2014. He had begun the season with a 127-yard, one-touchdown performance against Wagner before recording seven catches for 62 yards against Pitt the following week. As the season progressed, Smith continued to establish himself as one of the nation's premier tight ends heading into the Panthers' home finale against Middle Tennessee.
A PERFORMANCE FOR THE AGES
On Nov. 15, 2014, FIU welcomed Middle Tennessee to FIU Stadium for its final home game of the season.
After falling behind 21-3 late in the second quarter, the Panthers needed a spark, and Smith answered.
He hauled in a 10-yard touchdown reception to cut into the deficit before delivering one of the most memorable plays in program history just before halftime. With only 40 seconds remaining, FIU marched down the field, where quarterback Alex McGough launched a Hail Mary toward the end zone. Smith outleaped three defenders to make the spectacular 40-yard touchdown grab, trimming the deficit to 21-17 at the break.
The Panthers seized momentum in the third quarter.
Facing third-and-22, McGough connected with freshman Napoleon Maxwell on a screen pass. Maxwell fought for extra yardage before fumbling, but Smith alertly scooped up the bouncing football and raced 22 yards into the end zone for his third touchdown of the afternoon, giving FIU its first lead of the game at 24-21.
The Panthers never looked back, holding off the Blue Raiders for a 38-28 victory.
Smith finished with eight receptions for 140 receiving yards and three touchdowns, setting a single-game FIU record for touchdown receptions, a mark that still stands today.
LEAVING HIS LEGACY
Smith's dominant sophomore campaign earned him First Team All-Conference USA honors and multiple All-America recognitions. He led all FBS tight ends with 61 receptions, 710 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches during the 2014 season.
He followed with another All-Conference campaign as a junior before concluding his FIU career in 2016 as a Second Team All-Conference USA selection. Smith left Miami ranked among the most accomplished pass catchers in school history with 178 receptions, 2,001 receiving yards and 18 touchdown receptions.
The Tennessee Titans selected Smith in the third round (100th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, he has enjoyed a successful NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith earned his first Pro Bowl selection following the 2024 season after posting career-best numbers with Miami.
25TH SEASON CELEBRATION
The upcoming 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.
