The Panthers played their home games at the Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, Florida as members of the East Division of Conference USA (C–USA).

They were led by first-year head coach Butch Davis.

They received an invitation to the Gasparilla Bowl where they lost to Temple.

Invitations include: Trey Hendrickson (DE) participating in the East–West Shrine Game on January 21, 2017, Imarjaye Albury (DT) participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 21, 2017 and Michael Montero (OL) participating in the Tropical Bowl on January 15, 2017.

[3] Notable departures from the 2016 squad included: Panthers who were picked in the 2017 NFL Draft: FIU announced its 2017 football schedule on January 26, 2017.