USF Football: 2025 Schedule Predictions

When USF Bulls had their 2025 football schedule released, it was clear that it would be a challenging one.

The Bulls have a packed year filled with power conference matchups, key conference battles, and a few opportunities for revenge.

However, the difficulty of the schedule may be something that Bulls are ready to handle. This year’s team has the leadership, drive, and experience to maintain their momentum from 2024, and possibly even shock some people.

From the start, this season’s lineup looks daunting. But let’s not forget that this team has pulled off miracles before – I’m convinced anything is possible. You can never count them out! Taking a closer look at the schedule, here are my predictions for USF and their 2025 season.

USF Football 2025 Schedule Preview: Can the Bulls Keep the Momentum?

Week 1: Vs Boise State

The 2025 season opener is very difficult for the Bulls. Set for a Thursday evening kickoff and an ESPN broadcast, USF’s matchup against the Broncos of Boise State will also pose significant challenges for the Bulls.

Boise State is ranked No. 21 nationally and are coming off a 12-2 record. They are a very strong football team. It’s the first game, and everyone is starting with a clean slate, meaning anything can happen. USF has the ability to excel against top-tier competition. We saw it last season at Alabama when Bryant-Denny Stadium actually went silent. Well, at least throughout the first half of that game.

With many moving parts, there’s a lot in play here for Week 1. For USF, the running back and wide receiver rooms are vastly different from last year, the defense has been somewhat altered, and we’re still not one hundred percent certain who QB1 will be. Boise State won’t be entering this matchup as the same team, either. The Broncos lost their powerhouse running back Ashton Jeanty, wide receiver Cameron Camper, and defensive end Ahmed Hassanein to this year’s NFL draft.

The Bulls’ defense will need to strategize how to contain the likes of quarterback Maddux Madsen, who was impressive last season with over 3000 passing yards. That means they’ll need to put the clamps on tight end Matt Lauter and wide receiver Latrell Caples.

For the USF offense, getting past the Broncos’ defense won’t be any easier. That’s especially true when facing safety Ty Benefield, cornerback A’Marion McCoy, and linebacker Marco Notarainni.

This Week 1 matchup will be a tone-setter for both teams, and is definitely one to watch. It would be a great momentum booster for USF to get a running start here. Yet, with Boise State projected to maintain their stronger depth and consistency, the Broncos are favored.

All things considered, coming out of this game with a win seems like a long shot for the Bulls.

Prediction: Loss

Week 2: At Florida

This matchup against UF is one that many Bulls fans are excited for. The Gators are another team recognized nationally, and a powerhouse in the SEC. UF has some upcoming challenges of their own, but they are entering this season with a Gasparilla Bowl win and plenty of young, returning talent.

Leaders for the Gators include QB DJ Lagway, RB Jadan Baugh, and WR Elijah Badger. In the secondary, Florida lost DB Trikweze Bridges, as well as LB Shemar James, to the NFL. Both players were major contributors to their defensive unit. UF’s defense will now be led by DB Jordan Castell, EDGE Jack Pyburn, and LB Jaden Robinson.

In all, UF is a tough competitor and versatile, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The last time the Bulls took a road trip to Gainesville, in 2022, they lost by just three points. However, that Bulls team went 1-11 that season. This year’s team is far more equipped to handle this battle. UF is still the favored team this time around. Personally, I don’t see it that way.

Prediction: Win

Week 3: At Miami

Chaos erupted when the Hurricanes visited Tampa last season. This matchup actually caused Raymond James to open up the decks for the first time, and the energy was electric. Judging by the amount of orange in the stands, USF fans were definitely outnumbered.

That game did not go as well for the Bulls as they had hoped. However, this time the roles will be reversed. Miami might have just lost their most dynamic weapon ever in QB Cam Ward, along with several other standouts to the NFL draft. Despite losing this talent, hindering this team is a very difficult thing to do. The Hurricanes are fast on the break, bringing speed and aggression.

Of course, working things out with a new quarterback can make any team vulnerable, but Miami’s roster is primarily solidified in new contributors. Quarterback Carson Beck is set to make his debut with the Hurricanes. An impressive playmaker, the Georgia transfer has been cleared for action and is seeking redemption of his own after undergoing elbow surgery following the 2024 SEC Championship game.

The stakes for Miami remain high. Bolstered by transfers, the defense will continue to be held down by defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, and defensive back OJ Frederique Jr. As long as the offense comes together under Beck and the defense holds out, Miami could remain a pretty unstoppable team. For the Hurricanes, this will likely be a showdown in the 305.

Prediction: Loss

Week 4: Vs South Carolina State

After a tough first few games, the Bulls will hopefully establish some rhythm against SC State. The Bulldogs are dominant in the MEAC, finishing first in the conference last season. Running back Kazarius Adams is one of their returning assets. Adams can be dangerous once he gets going- the Bulls’ defense will need to figure out how to manage him early on.

Competition-wise, the Bulldogs’ schedule is not quite as rigorous as USF. South Carolina State fares very well within their conference matchups, but they lack the depth and resources when it comes to being on the road and facing FBS-level opponents.

Before beginning consecutive conference play, this matchup should yield an easy win on home turf.

Prediction: Win 

Week 5: Bye

Early? Yes. However, this bye week is well-positioned to give the Bulls a chance to reset before a critical conference stretch.

Week 6: Vs Charlotte

USF put on an electric performance against Charlotte last season, and the timing of this matchup on the schedule may do some favors for the Bulls’ football team. The 49ers have lost pivotal assets through the transfer portal, including quarterback Deshawn Purdie, running back Hahsaun Wilson, and wide receiver O’Mega Blake. Another detrimental loss for Charlotte is running back Cartevious Norton, who will now be on the Bulls’ sideline.

The 49ers have been working to rebuild their forces, including bringing in former Ohio head coach Tim Albin. They also brought in over 20 new transfers, consisting of quarterback upgrades in Connor Harrell and Grayson Loftis.

Charlotte’s running offense last season was not great; in fact, they were ranked among the worst nationally. The defense was semi-decent, but they lost many key players there as well. With practically a whole new squad of talent and coaching personal joining the program, there is a ton of opportunity for improvement this season.

When it comes to this matchup against USF, the 49ers do have many new moving parts, making them more susceptible to error. It will be interesting to watch how this team displays on the field. If Charlotte can execute their units properly, this could be a very back-and-forth game. The Bulls will also have home-field advantage this time around, and they might just be more put-together as a whole. My call here is that history will repeat itself.

Prediction: Win

Week 7: At North Texas

Back on the road, USF will face the North Texas Mean Green, an opponent they’ve battled in the conference standings. This will likely be a versatile matchup on both sides of the ball, especially near the midpoint of the season. Things are about to get so much more difficult, so this is the time when USF will really need to start working their magic again!

North Texas lost significant playmakers this offseason, but are attempting to rebuild its roster through the transfer portal. The Mean Green were ranked nationally in offense last season, with an emphasis on explosive runs. However, they will also be handling a quarterback transition to Drew Mestemaker.

Backing the offense will be running back Makenzie McGill II and wide receiver Dalton Carnes. Historically, the defensive outlook for the Mean Green has been the complete opposite, but with impactful additions, a reset is very possible and currently underway.

North Texas can pull out the stops for an elite run game and be consistent in the air, while their defense can’t always bring up the rear – especially in larger-margin games. The Bulls will need to dominate in all areas to secure this win. It’ll be a close call.

Prediction: Win

Week 8: Vs Florida Atlantic (Homecoming)

This newly established rivalry with Florida Atlantic is a huge toss-up. From everything we’ve seen, the Owls look like they may be an entirely different team this year. They have new talent, and a revamped coaching staff, and they’re motivated to make a splash in the highly competitive American Conference.

Progress is expected from this team. Under new head coach Zach Kittley, the Owls have upgraded their offense, bringing in fresh talent at quarterback with Caden Veltkamp. Supporting the rushing attack are running backs Xavier Terrell, and Gemari Sands, both poised to take on larger roles.

That said, the offense still has big shoes to fill with the departure of running back CJ Campbell Jr. and wide receiver Omari Hayes. In another turnaround, former FAU tight end Wyatt Sullivan transferred to USF, and this time will be suiting up for the Bulls. Incoming transfers that are expected to make a splash for the Owls include wide receiver Easton Messer and linebacker Tyler Stolsky.

The main story of FAU last season is that they were inconsistent and couldn’t execute their depth to it’s fullest potential. The Owls dominated the last time they came to Tampa in 2023 (also a homecoming game) and the opposite holds true when the Bulls visited Boca Raton last season. FAU is in reset mode, but are they developed enough just yet? This truly could go either way. It will be an intriguing watch.

Prediction: Win

Week 9: At Memphis

This one stings a little. When these teams met last season, the Bulls had to evacuate to Orlando due to Hurricane Milton. In every sense, that matchup was brutal.

Memphis is projected to, once again, be very successful this year. However, their team won’t be the same as the last time we saw them. With the departure of Seth Hennigan, Memphis is in the market for a new quarterback to drive their offense, with the role potentially going to Nevada transfer Brendon Lewis. They also lost linebacker Chandler Martin, meaning the Memphis units will be operating differently compared to what has been displayed the last few years.

Despite these significant changes, the Tigers have managed to maintain a fairly balanced attack on both ends. And, they’re quick! Returning running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. is one of those players that is simply hard to stop.

The Memphis Tigers have an experienced and cohesive team, finishing fourth in the 2024 conference standings. With elevated defensive forces, USF may have enough firepower to put on a show. However, will it be enough to keep up? The Tigers always seem to find a way to be at least one step ahead. Even if the Bulls start strong, they’ll be playing in a tough environment, and experiencing fatigue later in the game could lead to a detrimental slip-up.

Prediction: Loss

Week 10: Vs UTSA

Another Thursday night football matchup at home in the USF schedule! While UTSA is an opponent of similar calibre (also finishing 7-6 last season) I’m giving USF the upper hand here. The Roadrunners tend to be successful at home and struggle on the road. Star quarterback Owen McCown will be returning and is a significant asset for this team. Alongside wide receiver Willie McCoy, running back Brandon High Jr. will also be back in action. Both have proved themselves to be key pieces of UTSA’s running offense.

The defense, on the other hand, will have practically an entirely new look. A defensive rebuild is in the works, to put it lightly. Expected leaders are transfer linebackers Kendrick Blackshire from Texas and Shad Banks Jr. from TCU.

With everything in order, UTSA does have the ability to challenge the USF. It’s hard to stop the Bulls when they bring all their energy to Raymond James. That home-field atmosphere may be enough to push them over the edge.

Prediction: Win

Week 11: At Navy

The Navy Midshipmen are quick on the break, tough to defend, and their unique offensive schemes make them difficult to contain. With an improving pass game in progress, Navy is heavily run-oriented, and their defense is solid. It takes a lot to rattle this team.

The returning forces of quarterback Blake Horvath, and running back Eli Heidenreich solidify Navy’s run-heavy attack, and their focus of maintaining excellent ball control. Fullback Alex Tecza was second behind Horvath in rushing yards last season. He has proved himself as another significant contributor set to return to the field.

With a steady defense and superior rushing attack, the Midshipmen are favored for this matchup. Even with all eyes on the field and near-flawless execution, pulling off this win in Annapolis will be tough.

Prediction: Loss

Week 12: At UAB

The UAB is the final football matchup for USF on the schedule. The concern here is whether the Bulls will start running out of steam. Given the back-and-forth history, this is a pivotal conference matchup.

The Blazers are currently experiencing struggles of their own. UAB has been having trouble with finishing in the red zone, and giving up turnovers. The defense is not great either, but is expected to improve. Aiming to bounce back, UAB is chasing a much improved record for the 2025 season.

A few of the critical playmakers for the Blazers include quarterback Jalen Kitna, running back Lee Beebe Jr, and linebacker Michael Moore.

Our trend with the Blazers suggests USF will lose this game, but I’m swinging my original pick. I think the Bulls will find enough gas in the tank to pull this one off.

Prediction: Win

Week 13: Vs Rice

USF will wrap up their regular season schedule against a football team many argue they should have beat last year.

Rice took some hits during this offseason, so this will be a heavy rebuilding year for them. The Owls lost many of their offensive weapons including their starting quarterback, along with their top running backs and wide receivers. The defense will welcome back linebacker Ty Morris, who led the team with 55 tackles last season. Safety Daveon Hook will also return to strengthen the secondary.

There is definitely a lot this team will need to figure out when it comes to operating in a new scheme, but by the final week, Rice should be fully developed and settled into their playbook.

Still, the Bulls are on an upward trajectory, and all their efforts up to this point may simply fall into place. Closing things out at home for a post-Thanksgiving matchup, The odds of having a happy ending here seem high.

Prediction: Win

Final Thoughts on USF Bulls Football Schedule

So, there we have it! All in all, I have USF finishing the season with an overall record of 8-4 and a conference record of 6-2, making them bowl-eligible once again.

The preseason polls that have come out have predicted USF to finish this season with the same overall record, but not without first going 0-3 and later winning that matchup at Memphis. In my opinion, it will be very difficult for the Bulls to come back and win that many games in a row – especially after losing the first three games of the season. USF could rise to the occasion and be relatively successful throughout tough conference play, but I think the momentum starter the Bulls need is a win at some point between Weeks 1-3.

The common theme with this team, and the privilege of covering them, is the excitement in Tampa. USF’s football program has been more amped up then ever, and fans are counting down the days until their Bulls take the field again.

For a team on the rise, this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see how this season unfolds. Mark your calendars, Bulls fans. Kickoff will be here before we know it!