Paws Up Preview: FIU Panthers vs. USF Bulls

USF is coming off its best season since 2017, and really, one of its best seasons in program history. Their biggest offseason move was adding Hartline. After two straight 7-6 seasons, which ended in bowl wins, head coach Alex Golesh left the program to take the same position at Auburn.

Along with Golesh, longtime starting quarterback Byrum Brown went to Auburn. Filling Brown’s spot was going to be tough, as he threw for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns, and rushed for a career-high of 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. USF had a quarterback battle between transfers Michael Van Buren Jr. and Luke Kromenhoek. Van Buren Jr. won the starting job.

🚨USF Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr is a BALLER…

First Year EVER as a HC…Brian Hartline has an opportunity to do something SPECIAL at USF…

Win a Conference Championship & make it to the CFB Playoffs pic.twitter.com/KJzUOAckaZ

— Life and Football (@LifeandBall) July 18, 2026

 

The Bulls added and brought back a lot of talent this season, including running back D.J. Crowther, who ran for 929 yards and 10 touchdowns at Dartmouth last season. Ohio State transfer Bryson Rodgers and Jaron Glover will be the most relied-upon receivers to open the passing game. The Bulls also have a sizeable offensive line with Cash Hudson and Caleb Cook.

On defense, Ohio State lineman C.J. Hicks and Florida linebacker Grayson Howard are the key transfers, while safety Tavin Ward, who is coming off a 60-tackle season, returns for his final year of eligibility. Defensive Coordinator Josh Aldridge is leading a unit that ranked No. 1 in the American, and it’s clear that he wants his players to cause havoc on the field.

FIU had 14 players selected to Athlon Sports’ preseason All-CUSA teams. That core of returning players includes Anthony Carrie, James Resar, Kenton Simmons, Josiah Taylor, Shamir Sterlin and Maguire Anderson. This team is equipped to make noise and fight in a 60-minute game.

South Florida has a reliable defense that will attack FIU’s offensive line. They cannot let JJ Kohl be in survival mode on every snap. The Bulls will get physical early, but the Panthers need to strategize their playbook to make this a thorough four-quarter game. Getting Carrie to establish a consistent run game will be a major factor.

On the flip side, FIU has what it takes to put Van Buren Jr. under pressure out of the gate and limit their ability to make quality rushes. It’s a new-look offense for the Bulls, and they still have some uncertainty that will have to be proven on the field. FIU’s defense could determine whether the team is still in the game in the final quarter or if they’re just going through the motions to leave Tampa.

The Panthers can’t be in second-and-9 or third-and-long territory too much in this game. Kohl needs to be kept out of obvious passing plays as much as possible, and Carrie needs to get positive yardage on first down. Part of FIU’s fate early in this game will be winning those first-down battles. If they are consistently in three-and-outs situations, then USF will have a field day with this offense.

Forcing third downs will be key for FIU’s defense. Van Buren needs to be pressured into making difficult throws, and USF’s running backs need to be prevented from controlling the offensive tempo. If the Bulls make explosive runs, protect Van Buren and establish their game in the short fields, they will come away with the win. Getting at least two turnovers will be huge for the Panthers to remain in the game.

Special teams will also be important for the Panthers. This is a season opener for two teams with new identities on offense. Having a player who can make a dramatic play or two will be the difference maker on Saturday. Anderson has proven that he can change the outlook of a game with one touch, whether it’s a kick/punt return, screen, jet motion, or red zone play.

Willie Simmons with a message to Panther Nation to come out and support the team in Tampa.

About 400 students have shown interest in coming out to the game this weekend.#FIU #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/cLDlmYGt9m

— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) September 1, 2026

USF has the home-field advantage, overall depth, and transfer talent to prevent the Panthers from making big plays. However, FIU has enough veteran experience on its roster to keep this game from being a one-sided blowout. For FIU, they shouldn’t judge this game solely based on the final score, and that’s ok.

The Panthers are more than capable of making this game a lot more interesting than many may expect. In fact, the biggest goal in this game should be keeping the score close. It’s a huge test early in the season, but their performance could indicate whether they are ready to take that next step in Conference USA.

FIU should enter this matchup with the mentality of earning respect, and not just being a program that others can overlook. Can the Panthers make enough stops and turnovers to keep this a one-score game entering the fourth quarter? Making the Bulls feel uncomfortable and as vulnerable as possible is the ultimate win for FIU, regardless of what the scoreboard reads at the end of the game.