FIU football will host LIU at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami in its final non-conference game before Florida International University begins Conference USA play Oct. 7. The matchup also gives head coach Willie Simmons an opportunity to earn his 75th career win. Florida International University enters the game after a loss to Florida Atlantic in the Shula Bowl.
Florida International University defeated Buffalo 33-17 in its home opener and has won three consecutive games at Pitbull Stadium dating to last season. Simmons is 3-0 in non-conference games at the stadium. A victory would also extend Florida International University’s lead in the all-time series against LIU, which currently stands at 1-0.
Series history and matchup
Saturday will mark the second meeting between FIU football and LIU football. Florida International University won the first matchup 48-10 on Sept. 2, 2021. Simmons will face LIU for the first time as a head coach.
LIU enters the game 0-4 after a 20-16 loss to Villanova. The Sharks also lost 51-6 to Kansas in their second game against an FBS opponent in 2026. LIU uses a two-quarterback system featuring Luca Stanzani and Ethan Greenwood.
Stanzani has 375 passing yards and two touchdown passes, while Greenwood has rushed for 140 yards on 32 attempts. Rafael Fasolino leads LIU with 35 total tackles and 6.0 tackles for loss. Will Johnson earned NEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after making three field goals, including a 34-yarder.
Players to watch
Maguire Anderson leads Conference USA in receiving yards with 324 and averages 108.0 receiving yards per game. He established a career high in receiving yards in each of Florida International University’s first three games of 2026, recording totals of 78, 98 and 139 yards. JJ Kohl ranks second in Conference USA with 930 passing yards and averages 310 passing yards per game.
Florida International University’s defense ranks first in Conference USA in total defense and rush defense, allowing 256 yards per game. Elisha Baldridge and DeeJay Holmes Jr. are tied for the conference lead with 3.0 sacks each. Florida International University’s offensive line has allowed two sacks this season.
Game-day information
The game is part of Family Weekend and includes the Pig Roast Series FIU Tailgate Edition pregame event and a Wear White theme. The first 1,000 students will receive free FIU cowboy hats. Baptist Health is listed as the game sponsor.
The game will air on ESPN+ and be available on 990 AM La Poderosa. Live statistics will be available at fiusports.com/FBStats. Corey Brooks will handle official kickoff play-by-play, while Tony Calatayud will handle radio play-by-play with Anthony Calatayud and Jose ‘Chambi’ Campos as analysts.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. Florida International University will begin Conference USA play Oct. 7 after completing its non-conference schedule.
FSB Take
Florida International University has a clear final test before conference play begins. The home-field trends, Anderson’s receiving production, Kohl’s passing and the defense’s conference-leading numbers provide the central areas to watch against LIU’s two-quarterback attack. The game also offers Simmons a chance to reach 75 career wins while maintaining his 3-0 non-conference record at Pitbull Stadium.
Source: Original report