The Florida International Panthers have been chasing a dream for three decades. Their last NCAA Tournament appearance came in 1995, and as the 2025-26 season tips off, the program once again faces the challenge of turning potential into production. Head coach Jeremy Ballard, now in his eighth season in Westchester, Florida, is determined to make this campaign different.
Ballard’s tenure has seen its share of ups and downs. His first two seasons produced the only winning records of his time at FIU, but since then, consistency has eluded the Panthers. The team has yet to finish higher than sixth in Conference USA under his leadership, entering this season with a combined 98-124 record and 42-82 in conference play.
Still, optimism flickers. FIU opened the year with a 101-49 rout over Florida National, a promising start before the schedule toughens with road trips to Nebraska and LSU. After those challenges, the Panthers will settle in for five straight home games, including their annual rivalry matchup against Miami on December 16.
New Faces, Familiar Fight
Transfer forward Larry Olayinka stole the show in the opener, dropping 25 points in just 21 minutes. The 6'9" Utah Tech and Samford product added seven rebounds and showcased the scoring punch FIU hopes to lean on this season. Argentina native Thiago Sucayzky made his college debut with three assists off the bench, while Amarion Nimmers, a Division II transfer from Tampa, scored his first Division I basket. The guard from Rock Island, Illinois, is hoping to make his mark and move his way up the rotation.
Zawdie Jackson, Corey Stephenson, Brit Harris, and Julian Mackey rounded out the scoring leaders in the opener, as the Panthers shot 52 percent from the field and knocked down 11 three-pointers. Jackson made 32 starts at New Mexico State a season ago and scored 10.5 points per game. Stephenson made 48 starts at Cal State Bakersfield the last two seasons, and scored 11.4 per game last season. For Harris, the Gary, Indiana native was at South Carolina-Upstate last season, scoring 11.6 points per game.
But outside of Westchester, few are betting on FIU to make noise this season. The Panthers were picked 10th in the Conference USA preseason poll, ahead of only Delaware and newcomer Missouri State. Liberty and Kennesaw State headline the favorites, while Simeon Cottle of Kennesaw earned Preseason Player of the Year honors.
Building Belief One Game at a Time
Ballard knows his team won’t get much national attention, and that’s fine by him. He prefers to let the work speak for itself. The path ahead, starting with Nebraska and LSU, will reveal whether this roster of transfers and underdogs can take a step toward breaking FIU’s 30-year tournament drought.
For now, the Panthers are talking less about March Madness and more about steady progress. In Westchester, that’s the kind of madness that could finally matter.