Florida International University’s football program is set to make a high‑profile appearance at the Conference USA 2026 Kickoff event in Arlington, Texas, this July. The gathering will bring together Conference USA member schools, media partners and fans for a series of activities that highlight the upcoming season.
Arlington to Host C‑USA Kickoff
The event, scheduled for July 20‑21, will feature FIU’s standout players JJ Kohl and Shamir Sterlin alongside head coach Willie Simmons. Their participation includes a 20‑minute segment on ESPN+ on Monday, July 20, followed by a press conference with Coach Simmons on Tuesday, July 21.
Beyond the spotlight, the Kickoff serves as a platform for Conference USA members to showcase digital content, engage with sponsors and produce behind‑the‑scenes footage. ESPN+ will air a live show that streams the segment, giving viewers an early glimpse of the Panthers’ preparations.
After the July activities, the Panthers will transition into fall camp in early August, using the momentum from the Kickoff to fine‑tune strategies and build chemistry. The team’s season opener is slated for Saturday, September 5, when they travel to face USF in Tampa.
Looking Ahead to September
The upcoming matchup against USF marks the first test of the new roster and coaching staff’s vision. With the preseason buzz already building, FIU aims to translate the exposure from Arlington into a strong start on the field, setting the tone for a competitive 2026 campaign.