If you’ve lived in South Florida for more than a minute, you know the vibe. It’s not just about the beach or the traffic on I-95. It’s about the specific, localized heat that happens when two schools separated by roughly 50 miles decide they absolutely cannot stand each other. I'm talking about FIU vs FAU football.
People call it the Shula Bowl. It sounds prestigious, and honestly, it is, but it’s also gritty. It’s the kind of game where records usually don't mean a thing because the players grew up playing against each other in Little League or high school. They know each other’s cousins. They know who’s actually tough and who’s just talk.
The 2025 Shocker: How the Tide Finally Turned
For years, if you were a Panthers fan, the Shula Bowl was basically a scheduled heartbreak. Florida Atlantic had this suffocating seven-game winning streak that felt like it would never end. From 2017 all the way through 2024, the Owls just dominated. They didn't just win; they embarrassed FIU at times, like that 52-7 blowout in 2022.
But then September 13, 2025, happened.
I was watching the updates, and the energy was just... different. FIU showed up at Pitbull Stadium (yeah, that's the name now, and it’s kinda perfect for Miami) after a two-and-a-half-hour lightning delay. Usually, those delays kill the energy. Not this time. The Panthers, led by Willie Simmons, came out and actually punched back.
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They trailed 21-17 at the half. In the old days, that’s where the wheels would have come off. Instead, they exploded for 21 points in the third quarter. Keyone Jenkins looked like a man possessed, throwing dimes and moving into third all-time in passing yards for the program. When the clock hit zero and the score stood at FIU 38, FAU 28, the drought was officially over. The trophy stayed in the 305.
Why This Rivalry is Built Differently
Most college rivalries are built on decades of history or conference ties. This one? It was built on the legacy of one man: Don Shula.
Basically, the whole thing started because of the coaching trees. FAU’s first coach, Howard Schnellenberger, was Shula’s offensive coordinator during the Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season. FIU’s first coach, Don Strock, was Shula’s backup quarterback for years. The "Shula Bowl" name isn't just marketing; it’s a literal tribute to the guy who made South Florida a football mecca.
The first game happened back in 2002. FAU won that one 31-21 at what was then Pro Player Stadium. Since then, it’s been a wild ride of venue changes—from the old Orange Bowl to Lockhart Stadium to the on-campus gems they have now.
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The Numbers That Actually Matter
- All-time Series: FAU leads 17-5 (even with the 2025 loss, they’ve been the "big brother" statistically).
- The Drought: FIU’s 2025 win was their first since 2016. That’s a long time to hear it from your friends in Boca.
- The High Mark: FAU’s biggest win was a 45-point margin (52-7) in 2022.
- The Redemption: FIU’s largest margin remains that 52-6 win way back in 2005.
What to Expect for FIU vs FAU Football in 2026
Mark your calendars for September 19, 2026. The Owls are hosting this time at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton.
This game is massive for a few reasons. First, FAU is now in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), while FIU is holding it down in Conference USA. Since they aren't in the same league anymore, these non-conference matchups are the only way to keep the fire alive. It’s a four-game series contract that runs through 2027, so we’ve got at least two more years of guaranteed drama.
FAU is going to be hungry. Losing the trophy at home is one thing, but letting FIU start a winning streak? Zach Kittley—who’s one of the youngest coaches in the FBS—isn't going to let that slide easily. He’s got a high-octane offense that usually thrives in the Boca heat.
On the other side, FIU finally has "proof of concept." They proved they can beat the Owls. They proved they can handle the pressure. With players like Kejon Owens and Johnny Chaney Jr. setting the physical tone, the Panthers aren't the pushover they were in the early 2020s.
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The Fan Experience: Pro Tips for Game Day
If you’re planning on heading to the 2026 game, don’t just show up at kickoff.
- Tailgating is Mandatory: In Miami, it’s about the music and the food. In Boca, the "Rat's Mouth" atmosphere is surprisingly rowdy. Get there four hours early.
- Watch the Weather: This is Florida in September. You will get rained on. There will likely be a lightning delay. Bring a poncho, but don't bother with an umbrella—they usually won't let you in with them anyway.
- The Trophy Walk: After the game, keep your eyes on the sidelines. The winning team doesn't just celebrate; they sprint for that Don Shula Award. In 2025, the scenes of the Panthers grabbing the trophy from the FAU sideline were legendary.
Honestly, the FIU vs FAU football game is the best-kept secret in the state. It might not have the national TV ratings of Florida vs Florida State, but for the people living between Miami and Palm Beach, it’s the only game that counts for bragging rights at the office on Monday.
How to Prepare for the Next Shula Bowl
If you want to be the smartest person at the tailgate, start tracking these things now. Watch how Keyone Jenkins develops his chemistry with his receivers through the spring. Keep an eye on FAU’s transfer portal moves—they’ve been aggressive lately in trying to reload that defense.
The 2026 matchup isn't just a game; it's a litmus test for both programs as they try to climb the G5 ranks. Whether you bleed Blue and Gold or Red and Blue, this is the one Saturday you can't miss.
Next Steps for the 2026 Season:
- Check the official athletic sites for ticket release dates—they usually go on sale in early summer.
- Book your hotel in Boca Raton early if you're coming from out of town; the area around the stadium fills up fast.
- Watch the 2025 replay if you can find it. It’ll give you a real sense of the defensive shifts that allowed FIU to finally break the streak.
The Shula Bowl is back to being a real fight, and that’s exactly what South Florida football deserves.