MIAMI, FL – With a new turf at Pitbull Stadium, FIU Football played its second annual Spring Game under head coach Willie Simmons. Team Navy beat Team Biscayne, 17-6, which was highlighted by Sterling Joseph scoring the only two touchdowns in the 2026 Spring Game.
Sterling Joseph Leads Offense with Two Tuddys
Sterling Joseph scores in his second rushing TD of the day for Team Navy. They are leading 17-6 in the 4th quarter.#FIU #Panthers #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/urVSMiz0hD
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) April 11, 2026
The offense shone at other times as well. For Team Biscayne, DJ Alexander completed a long pass to Tyson Carter. For Team Navy, Devonte Lyons broke out for some good rushes, including this play where he got a considerable amount of yardage.
Sophomore RB Devonte Lyons with a nice run for FIU Navy 🏈 @FIUFootball #FIU #Sportswithseb #Pawsup pic.twitter.com/MSO8M0LXGN
— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) April 11, 2026
“J.J. had good command of the offense, which we expect of a guy who has played a lot of snaps at the college level,” Willie Simmons said after the scrimmage. “J.J. won most improved quarterback this spring. That typically doesn’t happen for a starting quarterback.”
J.J. Kohl is the guy under the helm for the starting quarterback job in 2026. Unsurprisingly, he was in the game into the fourth quarter for Team Navy. Alexander did have some good looks, getting solid completions for Team Biscayne, and Zachary Waters had a decent drive late in the matchup.
“Coach Simmons wants us to fail because that’s when you grow the most,” Kohl said. “You learn from failure.”
Wide receivers such as Jojo Stone, Greg Gaines III, and Malik Penson each made receptions during the game.
Biscayne quickly driving down the field here for FIU… 🏈
QB Zachary Waters hits Greg Gaines lll
to put them at 1st and goal 🏈 #FIU #Sportswithseb #Pawsup pic.twitter.com/oZ6nZJSpwG— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) April 11, 2026
“Definitely, Jojo made some big catches,” said Coach Willie Simmons. “Devontae Lyons continued to have a great spring, ripped off some big runs there. Malik Penson had some catches, and Greg Gaines made some strong catches today using his body.”
The running game was the most impressive unit on offense. Between Joseph, Lyons, and Anthony Carrie, they each made their marks in the contest and offered a good glimpse of how promising they can be this upcoming season.
Demetrius Hill Leads Defense with Two INTs
On the flipside, Demetrius Hill easily had the best day on defense for the Panthers. As is the case with most Spring Games, the defense had the advantage, and Hill led with two picks. On his second interception, he picked off Waters in the endzone.
“D. Hill had two interceptions, played a really strong game today,” said Coach Simmons. “He’s had a phenomenal spring, just overall. I think he’s finally fully healthy again to that form that allowed him to be a Freshman All-American during this time of year.”
Demetrius Hill picks off the pass at the endzone#FIU #Panthers #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/vnKEpLW8GG
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) April 11, 2026
He wasn’t the only defensive back with an interception. Both Ormond Wallace and Eric Johnson had picks in the game, despite Johnson’s getting called back.
Couple nice stops from the defense
Second video has a pass interference from Eric Johnson#FIU #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/f8XYlNMRGS
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) April 11, 2026
“Ormond has really gotten himself into shape,” said Simmons. “He’s really trimmed down, he’s moving a lot better, which has allowed him to be near the ball.”
Some players did a great job of pressuring the quarterback. Notably, Matthew Pointer (Navy) and Jay-Ayviauynn Celestine (Biscayne) each recorded a sack for their team.
In the trenches, players such as Nick Watson, Lamont Green Jr., Dante Anderson, Matthew Pointer, Nathan Jennings, and Anthony Smith each contributed with plays that gave their teams key stops.
“I thought the defensive line did a really great job today. A lot of sacks, tackles for loss,” said Willie Simmons. “I think the mark of a great defense starts up front. Our ability to get those guys to play at an extremely high level and have quality depth is going to go a long way in us establishing ourselves.”
Massive stop here for the Biscayne defensive line.
FIU did a good job in the red zone defensively last season. They are hoping to keep that going in 2026.#FIU #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/Q4aCfjY8Ck
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) April 11, 2026
Robert Czeremcha Leads Special Teams with 3 FGs
Last year, Robert Czeremcha and the kicking unit struggled in the Spring Game, combining for 0-for-4 on field goal attempts. This year, he made up for it by going a perfect 3/3, accounting for nine points. He kicked for both squads in the game and kept his cool despite the wind speeds.
Robert Czeremcha converts on another field goal for Team Biscayne. Navy leads 7-6.#FIU #Panthers #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/X401cWjA2w
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) April 11, 2026
Spring Award Winners
At halftime, FIU football announced its Most Improved Spring Award, and Most Improved Weight Room Award winners, as well as the Scott Carr Leadership Award.
QB: J.J. Kohl
RB: Devonte Lyons
WR: Kyle McNeal
TE: Sean Burke
OL: Zaire Flournoy
DL: Nick Watson
CB: Tyderick Brown
Safety: Demetrius Hill
Specialist: Robert Czeremcha
At halftime, @FIUFootball announced its 2026 Spring Award Winners.
Most Improved RB: Devonte Lyons
Most Improved QB: JJ Kohl
Most Improved OL: Zaire Flournoy
Most Improved DL: Nick Watson
Most Improved LB: Kani Smith
Most Improved CB: Tyderick Brown
Most Improved WR: Kyle McNeal…— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) April 11, 2026
Skill Players, Offense: WR Kyle McNeal
Skill Players, Defense: LB Cam Davis
Trenches: DL King Massey
Lifter of the Spring: LB Josiah Taylor
Scott Carr Leadership Award: RB Anthony Carrie
Alumni Support
Several players throughout program history turned out to support the current team on the field. Some notable alumni in attendance included T.Y. Hilton, Jonnu Smith, Antwan Barnes, and Nick Turnbull.
We were honored to have so many football alums back for yesterday’s spring game 🐾 pic.twitter.com/NMasCu1FYG
— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) April 12, 2026
“It’s really great so see those guys and come and support,” said Coach Simmons. “When you see that, you see a growing program. You see a strong coach. “
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