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FIU has a different kind of pressure in Willie Simmons’ second season: expectations. That’s a result of the Panthers going 7–6 in 2025 and securing their first winning season since 2018. They also won the Shula Bowl against in-state rival Florida Atlantic, which is a really big deal in South Florida. Shifting gears to this season, FIU is turning to a 6-foot-7-inch transfer in J.J. Kohl to lead the offense.
We’ll see if the Panthers can take another step forward. If they do, it’ll mostly happen on ESPN networks. FIU has four confirmed games on ESPN+, along with one each on ESPN2 and ESPNU. Four CUSA games will also air on to-be-determined ESPN networks, while CBS Sports Network will pick up two games in October.
This guide breaks down how to watch FIU Panthers football, including the team’s TV schedule and the best streaming options for fans who want to watch every snap of every game. For other Saturday — and weekday — viewing questions, our How To Watch College Football guide has the answers.
2026 FIU Panthers TV schedule
FIU starts with an in-state test at South Florida. The Panthers’ second matchup with a Florida opponent is September 19 in the Shula Bowl against FAU. Later in the fall, eight consecutive weeks of CUSA play start on October 7 and end three days after Thanksgiving. Two of those battles are Tuesday night games.
Use the table below to find every available kickoff time and TV assignment. For the biggest games across the country on any day, check out our College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - Florida International Panthers Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
At South Florida Bulls | Saturday, Sept. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Long Island University Sharks | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 6:00 p.m. | |
New Mexico State Aggies | Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | |
At Liberty Flames | Saturday, Oct. 31 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Missouri State Bears | Saturday, Nov. 7 | 4:00 p.m. | TBD |
At Delaware Blue Hens | Saturday, Nov. 14 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD |
At Kennesaw State Owls | Saturday, Nov. 21 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD |
Sam Houston Bearkats | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching FIU Panthers football
An ESPN Unlimited subscription is a nonnegotiable for FIU fans this college football season. With all but two games on the platform, it’s the most logical way to watch most games. As for the other two on CBS Sports Network, sign up for a live TV provider or use free trials.
We made our recommendations using the same channel, pricing, and usability standards outlined in our Editorial Policy. If you want to compare the full field before committing to a plan, visit Best Streaming Services for Sports.
Best Overall
By bringing ESPN’s linear networks and ESPN+ together in one subscription, ESPN Unlimited saves you the hassle — and the cost — of juggling multiple streaming services throughout the season. With so many games airing on ESPN platforms, it gives FIU fans a simpler way to follow the Panthers all season.
Best Live TV Plan
If you need or want a live-TV provider to watch FIU’s games on CBS Sports Network, YouTube TV is the best option on the market. At a lower price than competing providers, its Sports Plan gives you the core channels you need to watch the Panthers and plenty of other college football action. It’s also only $44.99/mo. over six months if you sign up before September 30.
How to watch FIU Panthers football FAQ
Where can I watch the FIU Panthers for free?
You can watch FIU's two games on CBS Sports Network for free by signing up for free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. You can also watch any college football game that airs on your local ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC station for free with an over-the-air antenna.
Where can I stream FIU Panthers games if I don't have cable?
As we recommended, ESPN Unlimited and YouTube TV make a great, cable-free pairing for fans looking to watch FIU Panthers football. Hulu + Live TV is also a helpful live TV option for the Panthers' linear channel mix, but it costs more than YouTube TV's Sports Plan.
Can I watch FIU Panthers football on Paramount+?
No. While two games on FIU's schedule will air on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ does not carry CBS Sports Network programming.
How do I watch FIU Panthers football if I live out of state?
FIU fans outside Florida can use the same channels and streaming services we recommended above. College football distribution follows national, conference, and streaming rights — not in-market viewing packages.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
