Willie Simmons will lead FIU football into its 2026 home opener against Buffalo at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. FIU enters at 0-1 after a 19-9 loss at South Florida, while Buffalo is 1-0 following a 21-17 victory over Albany.
The matchup will be the first meeting between the programs. It also begins FIU’s 25th season of football competition, with a halftime ceremony honoring the inaugural 2002 FIU football team and launching the program’s 25th Season Celebration.
FIU football returns home after season-opening loss
JJ Kohl passed for 301 yards and recorded a career-high 31 completions against South Florida. Maguire Anderson also posted career highs with eight catches and 87 receiving yards, while Kohl connected with nine different receivers.
FIU’s defense allowed 208 yards of total offense and recorded 7.0 tackles for loss against South Florida. Elisha Baldridge produced two tackles for loss and five tackles, while FIU defensive coordinator Jovan DeWitt was recognized as CBS College’s Conference USA Defensive Coordinator of the Week.
Simmons is undefeated in non-conference home games as FIU’s head coach, including wins over Bethune-Cookman and Fla. Atlantic in 2025. FIU has won five consecutive home openers and is 8-4 at Pitbull Stadium since the venue was renamed before the 2024 season, including a 4-2 mark under Simmons.
Buffalo enters Miami at 1-0
Buffalo opened its season with a 21-17 win over Albany. Chance Morrow caught all three of Buffalo’s touchdown passes in the victory.
Pete Lembo, who was hired as Buffalo’s head coach before the 2024 season, has a 15-11 overall record. Buffalo went 5-7 in 2025, with seven of its 12 results decided by one score.
FIU defensive line coach Joe Cauthen served as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator during the 2021 season. The game is sponsored by Pini Insurance, and FIU’s uniforms will feature the Miccosukee Casino & Resort logo as the team’s jersey patch sponsor.
How to follow FIU football vs. Buffalo
The game will air on ESPN+. Audio will be available at fiusports.com/listenlive, and live statistics will be available at fiusports.com/FBStats.
Game information: FIU football vs. Buffalo, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. The halftime ceremony will honor FIU’s inaugural 2002 football team.
Source: Original report