MIAMI – As FIU football continues its 25 Moments in 25 Seasons series, we look back at the Panthers' inaugural game at the newly named Pitbull Stadium, where FIU erupted for 52 points in a dominant 52-16 victory over Central Michigan on Sept. 7, 2024.

Don't Stop the Party
Prior to the 2024 season, FIU Athletics made history by entering a partnership with international superstar and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull. As part of the agreement, FIU Stadium was officially renamed Pitbull Stadium, bringing together FIU, Pitbull and the spirit of the 305 on a global stage.

The partnership ushered in a new era for FIU Athletics, with the Panthers' first home game under the new stadium name coming on Sept. 7 against Central Michigan of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Looking for their first victory of the season, the Panthers welcomed fans to a night filled with Pitbull-themed promotions, including commemorative Pitbull Stadium pins, while the global superstar's biggest hits played throughout the stadium.

Feel this Moment
The Panthers wasted little time making history in their first game at Pitbull Stadium.

FIU jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first half, forcing four turnovers before halftime and turning the takeaways into 28 points. The defense finished with six total turnovers, including a program-tying five interceptions and a fumble recovery on a punt. Jamal Potts started the turnover spree with his first career interception, setting up Keyone Jenkins for a four-yard touchdown run. Jenkins later broke free for a career-long 34-yard rush before connecting with Eric Rivers on a 36-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0.

After Percy Courtney Jr. recovered a muffed punt, Jenkins found Nazeviah Burris for a 17-yard touchdown, his first as a Panther. Brian Blades II then added the highlight of the first half, returning his first career interception 21 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 28-0.

Central Michigan scored just before halftime, but FIU continued to control the game after the break. Kejon Owens added a 26-yard touchdown run, while Lexington Joseph broke loose for a 35-yard score in the fourth quarter for his first touchdown since 2022.

Jenkins accounted for three touchdowns, Travion Barnes recorded 13 tackles, and the Panthers finished with their highest-scoring game since 2018. The victory also marked FIU's fourth consecutive home-opening win.

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.