FIU Panthers vs UTSA Roadrunners Prediction, Odds and Picks for Friday, 12/26/25

After finishing their season 4 four straight victories, the FIU Panthers will look to challenge the UTSA Roadrunners in the First Responders Bowl this Friday night. FIU finished their season with a record of 7-5, including a dominant 56-16 victory over Sam Houston in the final week. The Panthers’ leading passer this season was Keyone Jenkins, who finished with 1,693 yards and 9 touchdowns. Kejon Owens led the team in rushing with 1298 yards and 11 touchdowns.

UTSA finished its season with a 6-6 record, including wins in 3 of their last 5 games. Their best win this season was against eventual College Football playoff-bound Tulane 48-26. Quarterback Owen McCown led the team in passing with 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns. Running back Robert Henry Jr. led the team in rushing with 1,045 yards and 9 touchdowns. 

The word inconsistent could be used to describe the season for UTSA. The Roadrunners have had some games in which they have looked great. Against Tulane, McCown threw for 370 yards and 4 touchdowns, and the team looked like they could play with anyone. In other games, the Roadrunners’ defense looked like it couldn’t stop anyone. In the 2 losses surrounding the Tulane victory, UTSA surrendered 55 points to both North Texas and South Florida. I expect the inconsistencies to continue into the bowl game against FIU. Head coach Jeff Traylor described his roster for the bowl game as a “shell of themselves,” as the team is expected to be without 10-20 players due to opt-outs and the transfer portal. FIU expects to have both quarterbacks in Joe Pesansky and Keyone Jenkins return from injury for this game, as the Panthers try to win their first bowl game since 2018. 

FIU vs UTSA prediction: FIU Owls +6 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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