Five things to watch for in FIU football’s season opener vs. Bethune-Cookman
Willie Simmons is set to make his debut as FIU’s new coach on Friday night at 7 as the Panthers host the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
Here are five things to watch for:
1. OLD RIVAL
When Simmons coached Florida A&M from 2018 to 2023, his team’s biggest rival was Bethune-Cookman.
Simmons lost his first two games against the Wildcats, who ran their win streak over FAMU to nine at that time.
But Simmons and the Rattlers broke the skid in 2021 with a 46-21 victory. Simmons won the next two games as well and departed FAMU with a 3-2 record against Bethune-Cookman, leaving with a winning mark in a rivalry game that was first played exactly 100 years ago.
Now Simmons gets a chance to beat Bethune-Cookman again, this time as the coach at FIU, which is 0-4 against the Wildcats.
FIU and Bethune-Cookman haven’t played since 2014, however, with the Wildcats winning that game 14-12.
2. NEW COACHES
Simmons is known as a laid-back guy … until game day, when his intensity spikes up about 100 notches.
Besides watching Simmons’ sideline demeanor, it will be interesting to note how aggressive he is on fourth-down decisions. A lot, of course, will depend on factors such as yardage needed; score; how early or late in the game; and how his offense and defense are playing.
But Simmons told the Miami Herald earlier this fall that new FIU punter Trey Wilhoit’s ability to “flip the field” with long kicks could make the coach a bit more conservative.
The other new FIU coach to watch on Friday is Nick Coleman, the offensive coordinator. This will be Coleman’s first game as the OC at the Division I FBS level. However, he has eight years of OC experience at the FCS, NAIA and junior-college levels.
Of note, Simmons (Clemson and The Citadel) and Coleman (Middle Tennessee) were both college quarterbacks.
3. RECEIVERS NEEDED
No player who caught more than 10 passes for FIU last season returned for 2025.
The top three receivers all transferred to new schools as Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson went to Georgia Tech and Nazeviah Burris bolted for Arkansas State. Those three players combined last year to catch 134 passes for 2,066 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Friday will be the first clue as to who will step up and catch passes for the Panthers this year.
4. SURPRISE PLAYERS
Simmons announced on Tuesday that true freshman Jessiah McGrew from Tallahassee will “probably” start at safety.
“He’s had an amazing training camp,” Simmons said of McGrew. “Smart player, great ball skills.”
Simmons also indicated redshirt freshman Shamir Sterling would be starting at the other safety spot, commenting that FIU will be “imposing” with two players at 6-foot-2 on the back end of their defense.
Among others, McGrew and Sterlin beat out experienced safeties/transfers Demetrius Hill (Illinois) and Websley Ettiene (Arkansas State).
On offense, Simmons said wide receiver Tyson Carter (from Orlando) has been the biggest surprise. Simmons said Carter will play from scrimmage because of his deep speed. He will also play as a kick/punt returner.
Simmons also said freshman tight end Jackson Verdugo will play.
“Sometimes I forget Jackson’s a freshman because he’s married and has two kids,” Simmons said. “I forget he’s an 18-year-old, but Jackson has impressed us since he got here.”
5. BONDED TOGETHER
The defensive line, which struggled to stop the run last year, should be better up the middle due to a pair of 23-year-old tackles: Olasunkonmi Agunloye and Quaylen Hill.
In the summer, FIU defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze took his entire unit – about 20 strong – to a three-day “retreat” in Kissimmee.
According to Hill, Udeze rented out a huge house with about 13 rooms, and the players bonded.
“We cooked, hung out and learned about each other as a family,” Hill said. “I’ve never had a d-line coach do this. It was fun.”
Hill, who started his career at the NAIA level (Florida Memorial), is now in his third year at FIU. He has earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and is working on a Master’s in Data Science.
Being older than most college players, Hill said, will help him and Agunloye remain calm under pressure.
“We understand how to bounce back,” Hill said. “Nobody plays a perfect game. You have to move on to the next play.”
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 7:00 AM.