USF Bulls vs. FAU Owls 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions

The No. 19 South Florida Bulls have not only gained widespread attention in Florida college football but have also made their mark in the national landscape. USF returns home to Tampa for a nationally televised homecoming game under the Saturday night lights, facing off against the Florida Atlantic Owls. FAU has put together a nice string of victories, setting the state for an intriguing American Conference showdown. With that in mind, let’s dive into this USF vs. FAU 2025 game preview.

USF Bulls vs. FAU Owls: History and Excerpts

FAU and USF football have a very back-and-forth relationship, to put it lightly.

While this may be somewhat of a nonchalant rivalry, there isn’t necessarily any bad blood between the two. However, there’s just something about Florida teams going up against each other.

Due to conference realignment and scheduling, USF hasn’t played against UCF football in several years, more formally known as “The War On I-4”. Since then, FAU has taken some more of the heat as South Florida’s next potential foe. While this hasn’t completely taken off yet, the two taking the field against each other remains an anticipated showdown for both fan bases, nonetheless.

The history between these two teams dates back to 2002, with USF currently leading the series 4-2. Most notably, FAU came to Tampa in the 2023 season and dominated in a 56-14 victory, which also happened to be a USF homecoming game. Then, the Bulls took a trip to Boca Raton last season, showed out, and got their revenge, winning that game 44-21. Things even got a little heated along the way, to say the least.

Florida Atlantic is navigating a new era under head coach Zach Kittley‘s first year with the Owls. There is a lot of new talent on the roster, including former Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp. FAU is currently standing at fifth in the American with a 3-3 record and 2-1 in conference play. To date, USF is heavily favored by 21.5 points ahead of this Saturday’s matchup.

USF vs. FAU 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions

Key Players for South Florida

The South Florida defense is ranked No. 1 in the nation with 16 turnovers for the season, has forced a turnover in 14 straight games, and has nine total turnovers in the last two games. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler has had a very dominant presence in stopping the run, rushing the quarterback, and executing on turnovers. Cornerbacks Jarvis Lee and James Chenault are tied with two interceptions each and have both been very reliable assets in the secondary. Safety Tavin Ward also had his best game of the season last week at UNT with 14 total tackles, including 12 solo.

Quarterback Byrum Brown has continued to be a dual threat in the pass game and leads the team with 364 rushing yards. Wide receiver Jeremiah Koger also had his best game against UNT, recording four receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns. The freshman has been very impressive and is currently third in total receiving yards behind Keshaun Singleton and Chas Nimrod. Former FAU tight end Wyatt Sullivan is also making an impact and showing continuous improvement.

As a whole, the running back unit has played an important role in this running offense as well and continues to reveal how dynamic it really is. Along with Brown, the run game is being contributed to by Sam Franklin, Alvon Isaac, Chase Garnett, and Nykahi Davenport. After suffering an injury, Cartevious Norton is unsure when he will return to play.

Key Players for Florida Atlantic

When things are going great for the Owls, quarterback Caden Veltkamp is at the center of the action. He has the arm strength to hit any throw on the field, good pocket presence, and the awareness to play the position at a high level. In FAU’s wins, the team has been propelled by the great play of Veltkamp.

However, the program truly lives and dies by the sword with Veltkamp, as his mistakes have gotten the team into trouble this season. When pressured, the quarterback can occasionally get skittish and inaccurate down the field. He has moments of inaccuracy and can get snake-bitten with turnovers. Veltkamp currently has nine interceptions and 13 turnover-worthy plays.

If he is protected and he plays at a high level, Veltkamp can help the Owls compete against the Bulls. He can make throws that no defense can defend. If he does not play his A-game, though, the Owls could be in some trouble.

In addition to Veltkamp, Kaden Shields-Dutton and Asaad Waseem may be major factors in this game.

Shields-Dutton notched 77 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last week against UAB. He ran with power, burst, and great speed throughout the game. Even with all of the injuries, the second-year running back showed that he can carry the Owls’ rushing attack.

Waseem, a Colorado transfer, has been extremely dynamic and explosive for the Owls this season. On the season, the wideout has 358 yards and five touchdowns. Waseem has displayed great route running, speed after the catch, contested catch ability, and smooth hands. To put it lightly, Waseem has been a phenomenal addition for the Owls in 2025.

Florida Atlantic will need to have a strong rushing attack and multiple reliable options to have a chance against the Bulls. If Shields-Dutton and Waseem step up, the Owls should be able to have offensive success. If not, the offense will have a lot of potential struggles against the Bulls.

On defense, Deshaun Batiste is one of the team’s leading pass rushers through six games, notching 13 pressures and three sacks. When FAU has been able to get after the passer, Batiste has usually been a big reason why. The Owls will need the edge rusher at his best against the Bulls. Without a consistent pass rush, they will simply not win this game.

As for Dillion Williams, the Owls need the safety to provide consistent play in the run game and in coverage. Williams has racked up tackles, shown great run support, and has made some big plays in coverage. He has not been “elite,” but he has been exactly the type of player FAU has needed up to this point of the season.

Against USF, Williams needs to be at his best. Depending on how he fares, along with the rest of the secondary, FAU could have a chance to keep this one close.

Keys to Victory

USF Bulls

Force turnovers

No doubt about it, the USF defense has shown some very dominant forces and game-changing playmaking. If they continue to do so, it could be a huge momentum shifter and yield additional opportunities for the offense to capitalize on.

Secure possessions

This goes into how USF has played the last few weeks; yet a major factor that will go into winning this game is maintaining control of the ball, specifically on offense. Fumbles and ball security have been a major issue, but if the Bulls are able to clean up those fine details and make the most of their drives, they should be in a good spot.

Play smart football

Both teams will likely play very fast sequences, opening the space for mistakes to be made. Some of this may go back to focusing on the little details that could potentially end up making all the difference in the long run. Doing so may help to stay in control of the game in more ways than one.

FAU Owls

Do Not Force the Issue

FAU needs to play its game on Saturday, for better and for worse. The Bulls are going to challenge the Owls all night long, and there will be plenty of times that FAU will be at a disadvantage. To win in this game, FAU needs to stick with its game plan and not deviate when they are tested.

Play Smart Football

USF has the talent and ability to capitalize on any mistake FAU makes. This ranges from turnovers to coaching decisions, and everything else in between. To have a great shot to win this game, the Owls need to play at a high level, but also play a smart game. If the Owls stumble like they have in recent weeks, this game could be over quickly.

Discipline

Florida Atlantic can’t commit bad penalties in this game. Discipline has to be at its best level of the season. If it is not, Owls may not have a shot in this game.