USF Football vs. FIU: Kickoff Time, TV, Weather and 2026 Game Day Guide
Kickoff Info
USF opens the 2026 season, and the Brian Hartline era, against FIU on Saturday, September 5 at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Raymond James Stadium and air on ESPN+, with radio coverage on Q105FM/Bulls Unlimited.
The game also marks the beginning of USF's final season at Raymond James Stadium before the Bulls move into their new 35,000-seat on-campus stadium in 2027.
Tickets
USF Event (sidearm-529-14349)
Weather
Hot and humid conditions are expected in Tampa, with temperatures remaining in the 80s around kickoff. There is also a chance of showers and thunderstorms, so fans should keep an eye on the forecast Saturday.
The Coaches
Brian Hartline takes the USF sideline for the first time as a head coach after serving as Ohio State's offensive coordinator. He replaces Alex Golesh, who left USF for Auburn.
FIU head coach Willie Simmons enters his second season with the Panthers. Simmons finished his first season at FIU with a 7-6 record and enters 2026 with a 73-30 career record as a head coach. FIU also made its first bowl appearance since 2019 last season.
Why FIU Isn't a Pushover
The Panthers finished 7-6 in 2025 and return a team built around a mix of returning players and newcomers.
Quarterback JJ Kohl gives FIU an intriguing option under center. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound transfer from Appalachian State threw for 1,465 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025.
USF's Offense
LSU transfer Michael Van Buren is expected to start at quarterback for the Bulls. Van Buren and Mississippi State transfer Luke Kromenhoek competed for the starting job throughout the preseason before Van Buren emerged as the expected starter.
Dartmouth transfer D.J. Crowther brings a proven running game after rushing for 929 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025.
The Bulls also have a number of new options at wide receiver, including Bryson Rodgers and Jaron Glover. Caleb Cook and Cash Hudson are among the offensive linemen on the 2026 roster.
USF's Defense
New defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge's unit will get an early test against Kohl and the FIU offense.
Linebackers C.J. Hicks and Grayson Howard are among the newcomers expected to make an impact, while safety Tavin Ward returns after recording 60 tackles in 2025.
Key Matchups
- USF defensive line vs. JJ Kohl: Can the Bulls create pressure and force FIU into difficult passing situations?
- USF run game vs. FIU front seven: USF has emphasized physicality and the running game under Hartline.
- Turnovers and special teams: A mistake in either area could change the game quickly.
The Prediction
USF enters as the favorite, but FIU brings an experienced head coach and a quarterback coming off a productive 2025 season. The opener should provide an early test for Hartline and a new-look Bulls roster.
Getting There
**Raymond James Stadium** 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33607
For the full list of stadium policies, visit the [Raymond James Stadium website](https://raymondjamesstadium.com/stadium-policies/).
**Go Bulls.**