FIU Smokes Sam Houston On The Road, Secures Winning Season

In the regular-season finale, FIU Football secured a winning season in stress-free fashion, trouncing Sam Houston 56-16. Against the worst team in Conference USA, the Panthers got to work early and dropped their second 50-burger of the season.

With Joe Pesanslky sitting out this game due to a toe injury, it was up to Keyone Jenkins to lead the offense once more. Maybe it was because of the team they were facing, but he played one of his best games as a Panther. The offense could do no wrong, even late in the game when their starters were out.

“The month of November was definitely one to remember,” said Head Coach Willie Simmons postgame. “4-0, winning some great close games at home, going on the road, having convincing wins, and getting ourselves to a position where we’re bowl eligible and having one of the longest winning streaks in the country.”

On the other end, FIU gave up an opening-drive touchdown and locked up the Bearkats for the rest of the game. Sam Houston is genuinely one of the worst teams in FBS, so take their performance with a grain of salt. Still, it’s a great way to keep the Panthers hot ahead of whatever bowl game they end up in.

A Texas-Sized Blowout

Is there much to say about how well the Panthers played in this game?

From the get-go, the offense was clicking. Jenkins didn’t look like he was suffering from a rib injury, as he was as mobile as he was accurate. He finished with 291 yards and three touchdowns through the air and 47 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Absolutely everyone ate on offense for the Panthers. Kejon Owens was as reliable as ever, with 124 yards off 15 carries. But the sirpsiding story was freshman back Sterling Joseph. He came in the fourth quarter and proved why he deserves a shot at being the main back for the Panthers next season, with 112 yards and two long-distance scores.

64 YARDS TO THE HOUSE FOR THE FRESHMAN@sterling_juice https://t.co/gI27qIK3jW pic.twitter.com/rTUINxkGUT

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) November 29, 2025

The dynamic duo of Alex Perry and Dallas Payne was in full swing today as well. 240 yards and three touchdowns were registered between the two. Overall, Jenkins has proved that there’s an argument to be made on who should be the starting quarterback for FIU in this bowl game, especially if Pesansky is not 100% ready to go.

They’re 2-10 For A Reason

Defensively, the Panthers adjusted quickly following Sam Houston’s first touchdown. As a matter of fact, there were no major second-half adjustments needed for the first time in a few weeks.

Landyn Locke had a rough game, especially in the second half. There was a *slight* chance of a comeback following a successful fake punt attempt, but the Panthers’ defense forced another punt right after.

He SNATCHED that out of the air 😮@shamirsterlin1 https://t.co/oo6Uqad8Ad pic.twitter.com/8cqNyPXRId

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) November 29, 2025

Well, that’s it. FIU will close the regular season with a record of 7-5. It’s the first winning season for the Panthers since 2018, regardless of whether they win or lose their bowl game.

On the topic, some bowl projections are rolling around. Two popular ones that have FIU’s name in them are the Boca Raton Bowl and Cure Bowl (In Orlando). We’ll officially know which bowl game FIU will be in on Selection Day – Sunday, December 8th.

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