Florida International University Football received four Conference USA weekly awards after its 33-20 win over Buffalo on Sept. 12, 2026, in Miami. Elisha Baldridge, Zaire Flournoy, JJ Kohl and Felix Visser each earned recognition. It marked the first time in program history that Florida International University received four Conference USA weekly awards.
Baldridge was named Defensive Player of the Week after recording two sacks and forcing a fumble against Buffalo. The junior defensive end also earned the top grade among Conference USA EDGE defenders from PFF. Flournoy received Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after helping an offensive line that allowed no sacks on 41 drop-back attempts.
Florida International University produced 540 yards of total offense against Buffalo, including 386 passing yards and 154 rushing yards. Kohl earned Offensive Player of the Week honors after setting a career high with 367 passing yards and throwing three touchdown passes. He also caught a 19-yard touchdown pass.
Visser was named Freshman of the Week after averaging 42.5 yards on three punts. He placed two punts inside the 20-yard line and recorded a 49-yard punt that pinned Buffalo at its 8-yard line. The 2026 season is Florida International University’s 25th season of football competition, dating to the program’s first season in 2002; the program has qualified for six bowl games and recorded six Shula Bowl victories.
Source: Original report