UCF Knights to Host FIU Panthers in 2030 Non-Conference Matchup

The two in-state programs will meet for the first time since 2017.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights football team has agreed to host the Florida International University (FIU) Panthers in a non-conference matchup on September 7, 2030. This will be the seventh meeting between the two in-state programs, with UCF holding a 4-2 record in the series so far.

Why it matters

The matchup between UCF and FIU is an important in-state rivalry game that will give both programs an opportunity to compete against a familiar opponent. The game also fits into UCF's non-conference scheduling philosophy of facing a Power Five opponent, a Group of Five opponent, and an FBS school.

The details

The game will be played at UCF's Acrisure Bounce House Stadium. The two schools last met on August 31, 2017, with UCF winning that contest. UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir has stated that his non-conference scheduling approach aims to have the Knights face a Power Five opponent, a Group of Five opponent, and an FBS school each season.

  • UCF and FIU will meet on September 7, 2030.
  • The two teams last played each other on August 31, 2017.

The players

UCF Knights

The University of Central Florida's football team, which competes in the American Athletic Conference.

FIU Panthers

Florida International University's football team, which competes in Conference USA.

Terry Mohajir

The athletics director at the University of Central Florida.

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What they’re saying

“This would be the seventh meeting between the two in-state programs, but the first since 2017.”

— Matt Murschel, Author (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

The game between UCF and FIU is scheduled for September 7, 2030 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium.

The takeaway

The upcoming non-conference matchup between UCF and FIU continues an in-state rivalry and aligns with UCF's strategic approach to scheduling diverse opponents each season.