MIAMI, FL – Yeah, the 2025 college football season is still a long way away. But for now, the FIU faithful can see what the Panthers could look like with the Spring Game on Saturday, April 5th, at Pitbull Stadium. This will be the first Spring Game under head coach Willie Simmons for FIU Football as Team White takes on Team Navy.
Back Into The Swing Of Things
In previous spring “games” for FIU, they were glorified practices with a few scrimmage plays to close it out. While a great way to view position-by-position, they weren’t treated like an actual football game.
This year, however, the FIU spring game will be a full, four-quarter game. The first and second quarters will be 10 minutes long with all the stoppages of a regular-season game except for media timeouts. The third and fourth quarters will be 15 minutes long with a running clock that’ll only stop for changes in possession and the two-minute timeout.
It’s going to be a physical game with full pads, but a few changes have been made to kickoffs and punts. They’re allowing kickers and punters to comfortably kick the ball. Wherever the ball lands or is picked up by a returner is where the drive will start.
This game will NOT be broadcast on TV. If you want to watch the game, you’ll need to be present at Pitbull Stadium. Free tickets can be redeemed here or at the ticket office tomorrow.
FIU Was On The Clock
This past Wednesday, the Panthers held an actual draft for this game at the R. Kirk Landon Football Fieldhouse. The whole thing was streamed on Instagram Live.
Team Navy, to no one’s surprise, will be rocking the Navy uniforms and is being managed by the Director of Scouting, Cam DeFede. Team White will wear white uniforms (Not Vice) and is managed by General Manager Jose Jefferson.
The rosters for both squads have been decided. Some notable names for Team Navy include quarterback Clayton Dees, running backs Ajay Allen and Kejon Owens, wide receiver C’Quan Jnopierre, defensive tackle Germaine Carter, defensive end Keegan Davis, and safety Websley Etienne. Team White’s roster includes quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Chayden Peery, wide receivers Ross Fournet and Semaj Demps, and defensive backs Brian Blades II and Jai Celestine.
Breaking Down The Storylines
Dees will start for Team Navy. Despite not seeing any time on the field last season, the freshman from Palmetto Senior High had taken increased reps in Spring Training. A solid performance from Dees could help his case for the backup QB position.
As far as offensive weapons go, we’ll see some questions answered about both. The wide receiver position is open for whoever could become the starters for FIU come Week One. Team Navy features C’Quan Jnopierre, Luby Maurice, and TJ Snowden. They could make their cases for the WR1, WR2, or WR3 spots.
For the running backs, keep an eye on Team Navy. With Allen, Owens, and Devonte Lyons, Team Navy’s running game will be tough to handle for Team White.
On the defense, FIU needs new safeties for their first game of the season against Bethune-Cookman. Without key pieces like Travion Barnes, that starting position is up for grabs. One of those spots could be reserved for Etienne, a transfer from Arkansas State. We’ve discussed the secondary for the Panthers already. Still, look towards what Blades and Celestine can bring to the group.
Kicking-wise, Noah Grant (Navy Team) will likely be the guy for FIU, while Trey Wilhoit (Team White) could be the punter. Both transfers (Grant from UAB, Wilhoit from Florida A&M) have impressed in practices. As for kick returners, look no further than C’Quann Jnopierre. (Team Navy) Demps could turn into the standout guy for punt returns.
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