The Shula Bowl always brings more than just football — it carries history, tension, and plenty of pride. Named after legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, the showdown ties together Florida Atlantic and Florida International in ways that go far beyond the scoreboard.
Both teams have a 1-1 record heading into Saturday, Sept. 13, but even with the Owls owning most of the wins, the Panthers are favored in the 23rd matchup. With everything at stake, fans want to know: will this year change the story?
Breaking Down Florida Atlantic vs. Florida International in the 22nd Shula Bowl
When you look at recent history, Florida Atlantic has owned the rivalry. The Owls have won the last seven games over the past eight years and lead the series 17-5, making it look lopsided on paper. FAU has rarely struggled against FIU, consistently finding ways to get past their opponent. Despite that, Florida International gets to host the big game this year and has the favorites tag heading in.
Pop out to the Shula Bowl for a chance to catch a signed football! ✍️🏈
Our spirit squads will be throwing these into the crowd on Saturday 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EinjSizgeG
— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) September 11, 2025
This matchup is more than just a football game for South Florida. PantherNOW writer Richard Gibson laid out how easy it is for fans of both teams to make the short 55-mile road trip up I-95 or the Ronald Reagan Turnpike. Florida International stepped up to Division I just one year after Florida Atlantic did in 2001, and their first-ever meeting also happened that year, with FAU taking a 31-21 win in front of 10,000 fans.
Both the Owls and Panthers started out as Independents before kicking off their time in the Sun Belt and later Conference USA. This tradition never faded, with each team battling every year, refusing to back down from the rivalry. In 2022, FIU confirmed the Shula Bowl would keep going through at least 2027.
Don Shula’s name connects both schools in more ways than one. Gibson explained, “For FAU, coach Howard Schnellenberger was a former assistant coach to Shula in the 1970s, helping Miami reach a pair of Super Bowls. He then became the offensive coordinator for the Dolphins from 1975 to 1978.”
For Florida International, the same thread runs through their coaching history. “For FIU, coach Don Strock was a former backup quarterback for the Dolphins from 1973 to 1987. He played behind both Bob Griese and Dan Marino, who would both go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was part of the squad when the Dolphins won Super Bowl VIII in the 1973 season against the Minnesota Vikings,” Gibson added.
Even as the intensity may have turned down a notch, most Panthers fans can’t remember the last time they reached for the wooden trophy. If Florida Atlantic wins again, it will mark 10 years since FIU last took home the Shula Bowl hardware. The campuses switch hosting duties yearly, so next year’s showdown will be at Florida Atlantic. The current contract wraps with a game on Sept. 18, 2027.
Tradition holds strong in college football, and while the Shula Bowl might still be one of the sport’s newer rivalries, it’s always the perfect way for both programs to show their pride and celebrate a legend. No matter what the record says, the fight each year means more than just numbers — it keeps the heart of South Florida football beating.
