As the 2025 college football season kicks off, the heat of South Florida will play host to a local and intriguing in-state matchup between Florida International University (FIU) and Bethune-Cookman University. Set for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM, this Week 1 battle promises to bring intensity, hometown pride, and strategic implications for both programs.
The game, played at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, FL, will mark the season opener for both schools. Although these two programs compete in different conferences and levels of the FBS/FCS hierarchy, their geographical proximity adds a rivalry-like edge to this showdown.
The 🏈 Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman contest offers both programs a critical early-season benchmark. For FIU, it’s a chance to solidify new coaching strategies and impress the home crowd. For Bethune-Cookman, it’s an opportunity to challenge an FBS school and make a statement early in their 2025 campaign.
📅 Game Day Information – Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman
- Matchup: FIU Panthers vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
- Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Riccardo Silva Stadium – Miami, Florida
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+ (expected)
- Streaming Options: ESPN App, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV
Fans unable to attend the game in person will have multiple options for live coverage and streaming access.
🏟️ Venue Overview: Riccardo Silva Stadium
Located on FIU’s main campus in University Park, Miami, Riccardo Silva Stadium is home to the Panthers and holds just over 20,000 fans. Known for its unique skyline view and passionate local fans, it provides an intimate yet energetic environment for college football.
In recent years, it has served as a platform for FIU to pull off memorable wins, and the team will be eager to start the 2025 season on the right foot in front of its supporters.
🔍 Team Previews – 🏈 Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman
🐾 Florida International Panthers: Aiming for a Turnaround
After several challenging seasons, Florida International enters 2025 with hopes of progress and renewed energy under head coach Mike MacIntyre. Now entering his third season, MacIntyre has laid the groundwork for player development, recruiting depth, and enhancing game-day execution.
The 2024 season was another rebuilding year, but with key returners and a more experienced roster, expectations are higher in 2025. A win in 🏈 Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman could mark the beginning of an upward trend.
🔑 Key Players for FIU:
- QB Keyone Jenkins – Entering his sophomore season with solid poise and arm strength.
- RB Kejon Owens – Speedy and elusive, capable of breaking open long runs.
- WR Kris Mitchell – FIU’s top receiving weapon and a go-to in the red zone.
- LB Donovan Manuel – Defensive captain and top tackler, key to controlling the middle.
- DB Demetrius Hill – Ball-hawking safety with instincts and leadership qualities.
MacIntyre’s team will rely on tempo and ball control early while trying to limit defensive lapses that plagued them in 2024.
🐆 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats: Underdogs with Bite
Representing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Bethune-Cookman continues its journey under head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. Now in his second year, Woodie is building a hard-nosed and disciplined football program centered on defense and special teams.
The Wildcats, though from the FCS level, are no strangers to big games. Their roster often features transfers and junior college standouts who thrive in these types of showcase games.
🔑 Key Players for Bethune-Cookman:
- QB Walter Simmons III – Dual-threat QB with mobility and strong field vision.
- RB Jadon Johnson – Young but explosive, with breakaway ability on outside runs.
- WR Marcus Riley – Fast and versatile wideout capable of big plays.
- LB Elijah Richardson – Enforcer in the front seven and defensive leader.
- DB Omari Hill-Robinson – Ballhawk in the secondary who could frustrate FIU’s pass attack.
Bethune-Cookman will aim to start fast, win the turnover battle, and lean on their team speed to pressure the Panthers.
🔍 Key Matchups – Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman
Quarterback Showdown: Jenkins vs Simmons III
Both quarterbacks have mobility and the ability to extend plays. Jenkins may have the edge in arm strength, while Simmons could create chaos with read-options and RPOs.
Line of Scrimmage Battle
FIU’s offensive line must control the line against an aggressive and quick BCU defensive front. If they win the trench war, they can control the game tempo.
Special Teams Edge
Bethune-Cookman often flips games with special teams plays — blocked punts, long returns, or field goal defense. FIU must stay disciplined and avoid miscues.
📈 Betting Odds & Predictions
- Point Spread: FIU -16.5
- Over/Under: 51.0
- Moneyline: FIU -950, Bethune-Cookman +575
Expert Prediction:
- Against the Spread (ATS): Bethune-Cookman +16.5
- Over/Under: Under 51.0
- Winner: FIU 31, Bethune-Cookman 20
Though FIU is favored, Bethune-Cookman could keep things interesting. Expect FIU to pull away late, but not without a few tense moments.
🧠 Coaching Edge
- Mike MacIntyre (FIU) – A seasoned leader with experience at Colorado and San Jose State, MacIntyre understands how to rebuild from the ground up. His ability to make halftime adjustments will be critical.
- Raymond Woodie Jr. (BCU) – Former FSU and USF assistant who brings passion and recruiting chops to the Wildcats. His defense-first mentality may cause problems for a still-maturing FIU offense.
This will be a chess match between a veteran trying to fix a program and a younger coach trying to build one.
📊 2024 Season Recap
Florida International (FIU)
- Record: 4–8
- Conference: Conference USA
- Points Per Game: 23.5
- Yards Allowed/Game: 407.8
- Notable Wins: Over Louisiana Tech, Maine
Bethune-Cookman
- Record: 3–8
- Conference: SWAC
- Points Per Game: 20.3
- Yards Allowed/Game: 385.6
- Notable Wins: Over Mississippi Valley State, Grambling
Both teams are trying to rebound from subpar 2024 campaigns, and this Week 1 contest could offer momentum either way.
📌 X-Factors
- Turnovers – Can Bethune-Cookman force a few takeaways? If so, they’ll be in it until the end.
- Red Zone Efficiency – FIU must convert opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals.
- Crowd Impact – Will FIU’s home crowd affect the young Wildcats quarterback?
🏆 Final Score Prediction – Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman
Florida International 31, Bethune-Cookman 20
Expect a competitive first half, with FIU gradually asserting control in the third and fourth quarters. Bethune-Cookman may show flashes and even take a lead early, but depth and conditioning should favor the Panthers.
- Game MVP: Keyone Jenkins – 215 passing yards, 2 TDs, 45 rushing yards
- Top Defender: Donovan Manuel – 10 tackles, 1 sack
- X-Factor: Kris Mitchell – 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
❓FAQs – Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman
When is the game scheduled?
Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.
Where is the game being played?
Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami, FL.
Where can I watch or stream the game?
Streaming will be available via ESPN+ and other digital platforms.
What’s the history between these programs?
They’ve met occasionally in past seasons, often with FIU favored due to FBS status.
Who is favored in this game?
Florida International is currently favored by 16.5 points.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The 🏈 Florida International vs Bethune-Cookman matchup isn’t just a formality to start the season — it’s a key game for momentum, fan engagement, and early development. For FIU, a win could build confidence for tougher matchups ahead. For Bethune-Cookman, an upset would be a signature moment early in Coach Woodie’s tenure.
Expect a fiery, high-effort game that showcases the depth of football talent across the state of Florida. Regardless of the final score, this matchup will provide valuable insights into what’s to come in the 2025 season.