If you aren't from South Florida, you probably think the biggest rivalry in the region involves a certain team in Coral Gables with "U" on their helmets. But if you actually live between Boca Raton and Westchester, you know better. The real, gritty, neighbor-against-neighbor tension happens every year when FAU vs FIU football takes center stage.
It’s called the Shula Bowl. Named after the late, legendary Don Shula, it’s a game that’s about way more than just a traveling trophy or bragging rights for a year. It’s about identity.
The Weird History You Didn’t Know
Let’s be honest: these two programs basically grew up together. Both Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University are relatively young in the grand scheme of college football, and they’ve been clawing at each other since 2002.
The Don Shula connection isn't just a marketing gimmick, either. The ties are actually kind of incredible. FAU’s founding father of football, Howard Schnellenberger, was Shula’s offensive coordinator during the Miami Dolphins' legendary 1972 perfect season. On the other side, FIU’s first-ever coach was Don Strock, who spent 14 seasons as a quarterback under Shula.
Basically, the Shula Bowl is a family feud with Hall of Fame DNA.
Most people don't realize how much the early years belonged to the Owls. FAU leads the all-time series 17–6 (though one FIU win was vacated due to NCAA penalties, which is a very South Florida sports thing to happen). For a long time, it felt like FAU just had FIU's number. Between 2017 and 2024, the Owls went on a brutal seven-game winning streak.
What Happened in the 2025 Shula Bowl?
If you missed the 2025 matchup, you missed one of the biggest "vibes shifts" in the history of the rivalry. After years of FAU dominance, the Panthers finally reclaimed the trophy on September 13, 2025.
It wasn't a fluke, either. FIU took a 38–28 win at Pitbull Stadium (yes, that is the actual name of the stadium now, thanks to Mr. 305 himself). The game was a total rollercoaster. FAU actually went into halftime with a 21–17 lead, thanks to some sharp play by Caden Veltkamp, who finished the night with 343 passing yards.
But the third quarter? That was all FIU.
Kejon Owens was an absolute monster on the ground, racking up 173 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers defense, led by Shamir Sterlin, completely shut the door in the second half. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the momentum had shifted so hard you could feel it through the TV screen. When the clock hit zero, the scenes at Pitbull Stadium were pure chaos. The "Don Shula Award" stayed in Miami for the first time since 2016.
Breaking Down the Series Stats
- Total Meetings: 23
- Series Leader: FAU (17–6)
- Current Streak: FIU (1 Win)
- Biggest Blowout: FAU won 52–7 in 2022.
The Pitbull Stadium Factor
Let’s talk about the atmosphere for a second. Playing a rivalry game in a stadium named after Pitbull is peak Miami. It's loud, it's humid, and there’s usually a lightning delay. In fact, the 2025 game was pushed back over two hours because of the weather.
Kickoff didn't happen until 8:33 p.m.
For the players, that wait is grueling. But for the fans? It just means more time to tailgate in the "Rat's Mouth" or around the FIU campus. By the time the ball actually moved, the energy was frantic. This isn't like a Big Ten game where everyone sits in neat rows wearing the same sweater. This is South Florida. It’s loud, it’s messy, and people take it personally.
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Why Does This Rivalry Still Matter?
Some elitists might look at FAU vs FIU football and see two "Group of Five" teams. They’re missing the point.
Since FAU moved to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) while FIU remained in Conference USA, there were real fears the rivalry would die out. Thankfully, the schools signed a four-game deal to keep the Shula Bowl alive through 2027.
This game matters because it’s a proving ground for local talent. South Florida is arguably the richest recruiting bed in the country. If you aren't a five-star recruit going to Alabama or Georgia, you’re likely ending up at FAU or FIU. These kids played against each other in high school. They know each other. They’ve been competing for the same headlines since they were ten years old.
Honestly, the stakes feel higher because of that.
Legendary Names You Should Remember
When you look back at the history of this series, some serious NFL talent has passed through.
- T.Y. Hilton (FIU): Before he was a star for the Colts, he was torching FAU. In 2010, he had a 97-yard punt return for a touchdown that people still talk about.
- Devin Singletary (FAU): "Motor" was a cheat code. He holds almost every rushing record at FAU and spent his college career making FIU defenders look like they were standing still.
- Alfred Morris (FAU): Another NFL mainstay who cut his teeth in the Shula Bowl.
- Keyone Jenkins (FIU): The current quarterback who is rewriting the record books in Miami. During the 2025 win, he moved into third all-time in passing yardage for the Panthers.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that FAU is the "big brother" just because they’ve won more games recently.
While the Owls had a dominant stretch under coaches like Lane Kiffin, the gap is closing fast. Under Willie Simmons, FIU has found a new identity. They’re playing a more physical, disciplined brand of football. The 2025 result proved that the seven-year drought was an anomaly, not the permanent state of affairs.
Another mistake? Assuming the game is only for students. The alumni base for both schools is massive and stays in the area. When these two play, the local economy in Boca or Miami gets a genuine "Shula Bump."
Practical Advice for Attending the Next Shula Bowl
If you're planning to catch the 2026 game on September 19, here’s the reality of what you’re walking into:
- Hydrate. I’m not joking. Even night games in South Florida are 80 degrees with 90% humidity.
- The Lightning Factor. Always assume there will be a weather delay. Don't plan your post-game dinner for 10:00 p.m. because you might still be in the second quarter.
- Tickets. You can usually grab these for $20-$40, which is the best value for high-level football in the state.
- Parking. At FAU, hit the "Rat's Mouth" tailgates. At FIU, get there early because campus parking is a maze.
The Shula Bowl is the soul of South Florida college sports. It isn't polished, and it isn't always pretty, but it’s ours.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with the rivalry, the best thing you can do is follow the local beat writers for the Palm Beach Post and Miami Herald. They cover the recruiting battles that happen year-round between these two schools, which is where the Shula Bowl is actually won or lost. Keep an eye on the transfer portal this offseason; both programs are expected to be aggressive as they prepare for their 2026 meeting.