MIAMI – As FIU football continues its 25 Moments in 25 Seasons, presented by Miccosukee Casino and Resort we revisit the Panthers' return to the top of the Shula Bowl rivalry. On Sept. 13, 2025, FIU defeated Florida Atlantic, 38-28, in the 23rd edition of the rivalry, snapping a seven-game losing streak to the Owls and bringing the Shula Bowl Trophy back to the 305 for the first time since 2016.

Back in the 305
The Panthers entered the rivalry matchup looking to reclaim the Shula Bowl Trophy and earn their first victory over Florida Atlantic since 2016. After a more than two-and-a-half-hour lightning delay, the two teams finally kicked off shortly after 8:30 p.m.

FIU struck first as Shamir Sterlin intercepted an FAU pass on the Owls' opening drive. Kejon Owens then capped an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run to give the Panthers an early 7-0 lead.

After FAU tied the game, Keyone Jenkins connected with Maguire Anderson on a 46-yard deep ball to set up Owens' second touchdown, putting FIU ahead 14-7. The Owls responded and eventually took a 21-17 lead into halftime, but Mister Clark's end-zone interception kept the Panthers within striking distance.

Down Go the Owls
FIU came out of halftime with a completely different level of energy.

Jenkins opened the second half with a four-yard rushing touchdown to reclaim the lead before connecting with Alex Perry for a 26-yard touchdown later in the quarter. Owens then broke loose for runs of 47 and 21 yards, setting up Anthony Carrie's one-yard touchdown run and giving FIU a commanding 38-21 advantage.

The Panthers' defense continued to make plays, with Jessiah McGrew sealing the victory with a late interception.

Owens finished with 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Jenkins accounted for 184 passing yards, a passing touchdown and a rushing score.

When the final whistle sounded, FIU had reclaimed the Shula Bowl Trophy and ended its seven-game losing streak to FAU.

The 38-28 victory marked FIU's first win over the Owls since 2016 and Willie Simmons' first FBS victory as head coach, giving the Panthers a memorable night back in the 305.

25th Season Celebration, Presented by Miccosukee Casino and Resort
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.