USF Football: 2026 Schedule Predictions and Season Preview

“Be Different” is the motto that head coach Brian Hartline is building the USF football team around. Approaching his first season spearheading the program, there’s a lot on the line and a lot to prove. USF’s 2026 schedule is not what many people may see as the most daunting, but it will certainly be a test, at times, for a team that has undergone a massive overhaul. 

USF Football: 2026 Schedule Predictions and Season Preview

The 2026 season is a pivotal one for South Florida, and there is plenty to dive into. From schedule predictions to standout players to sleepers to watch, Brandyn Pokrass and Mackenzie Neglia have you covered for all things USF. Without further ado, let us dive into it!

Schedule Predictions

Game 1: vs. Florida International Panthers

Mackenzie: The FIU Panthers come to Tampa for a Saturday night kickoff to start things.

Led by head coach Willie Simmons, the Panthers have seen vast improvement as of late. In the 2025 season, they finished with a 7-6 overall record and were 5-3 in the conference, putting them in fifth place in Conference USA’s standings. FIU continued pushing throughout the season and earned a trip to the First Responder Bowl, despite losses in four of their first five games. While the bowl matchup against UTSA didn’t end as well as FIU may have hoped, simply playing in the bowl game was a testament to the work they put in and the resilience they’ve had throughout the season.

After losing quite a bit in the transfer portal, FIU is likely rebuilding. In search of filling the void left by quarterback Keyone Jenkins, who transferred to UCF, the Panthers signed quarterback JJ Kohl from Appalachian State, and he is expected to make a splash. Kohl threw for 1,465 yards and had 12 touchdowns in the 2025 season. 

The backfield attack led by running backs Anthony Carrie and Devonte Lyons could be an initial test for this new Bulls’ defense. However, for the first game of the season, a home opener and USF’s final season playing at Raymond James, the cards seem to be heavily in their favor for Week 1. 

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Brandyn: Despite what the initial spread of this game would tell you, Week 1 has a chance to be a much closer game than people expect. 

Under Willie Simmons, the Panthers broke their bowl-less streak and flashed plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. They return a good chunk of those players in 2026. Offensively, they bring back the likes of breakout candidate Anthony Carrie, wideout Jojo Stone, offensive lineman Antonio Tripp Jr., and offensive lineman Zaire Flournoy. Defensively, edge rusher Kenton Simmons, linebacker Josiah Taylor, and safety Shamir Sterlin headline a rock-solid unit. 

While I do think FIU will put up a fight, I have USF winning this one. FIU’s defensive trenches, especially their new additions, will have a trial by fire against what I think will be a fun South Florida rushing attack. While FIU’s secondary is more than equipped to deal with the pass, I think USF will control the game on the ground. 

The other key factor in this one is FIU’s new quarterback going up against what will be an aggressive South Florida defense. Helmed by Josh Aldridge, the Bulls have a chance to make things very difficult for JJ Kohl, even with all of their new additions. 

Even if they face some bumps in Week 1, I have USF notching the first win of the Brian Hartline era against the Panthers. 

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Game 2: at Army Black Knights

Mackenzie: Brian Hartline will get a very early American Conference matchup when the Bulls travel to West Point, New York, to take on Army in Week 2.

Without sugarcoating it, this matchup is potentially the most difficult game on their schedule. The Black Knights are an underdog in the conference, and in 2026, they are seeking to make a greater statement. The 2025 season didn’t exactly go in their favor, finishing 7-6, going 4-4 in conference play, and ending the season as seventh in the conference standings. They also competed very closely with their opponents, multiple games resulting in just a few-point difference. It’s important to note that in the season beforehand, Army went 12-2 on the year. 

Head coach Jeff Monken has led the program for the last 13 years. So, if anyone knows what the team is capable of and what the expectation is, it’s him. Army is returning quarterback Cade Hellums, who may not throw the ball as much as you’d expect, but he can be very dangerous on his legs. Hellums only threw for 694 yards in 2025, compared to his 1,223 rushing yards in the same season. He is definitely someone USF’s defense will need to keep track of throughout the entirety of this season. 

On Army’s defense, lineman Jack Bousum will be a key asset for the Black Knights as well. Bousum had 13 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season. 

All in all, this game is a very tough first conference matchup and a first look at how the Bulls will handle competition on the road.

Prediction: Loss (1-1)

Brandyn: What an early-season matchup for the USF football program. 

One of the better teams in the American Conference heading into 2026, Army has rock-solid talent on both sides of the ball. They have one of the best offensive linemen in the league in center Brady Small, a potential breakout defensive lineman in Jack Bousum, and a returning quarterback in Cale Hellums. They also have one of the better head coaches in the conference in Jeff Monken. 

Defensively, USF should benefit from having Josh Aldridge at defensive coordinator. Spending 2025 with East Carolina, he will have the experience of playing against Monken’s offense. Combined with the pure talent on the unit itself, and I am confident that the Bulls can compete in this game. 

The key in determining this game, outside of halting Army’s offensive attack, is finding efficiency on the offensive side of the ball. I feel that USF will do enough in this game, especially on the ground, to leave West Point with the victory. 

Prediction: Win (2-0)

Game 3: vs. Delaware State Hornets

Mackenzie: Back to Tampa they go; USF will get the Delaware State Hornets in Week 3. 

The Hornets play in the MEAC and were 8-4 last season. They are led by head coach and former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Under Jackson’s leadership, Delaware State has emerged as a competitive force in their conference. Impactful production is expected to be shown through wide receiver Shaun Boykins Jr. and running back Kobe Boykin. 

Looking back, the Hornets ended last season as the runners-up to South Carolina State. And, if anyone remembers what happened when USF played SC State at home last year, it doesn’t appear as if the roles will be reversed.

Prediction: Win (2-1)

Brandyn: No game is ever “easy,” but I do not foresee South Florida struggling with the Hornets in Week 3. 

From a more “macro” level, this should be a game where USF finds even more footing on the offensive side of the ball. With conference play truly starting in Week 5, this game should be a great opportunity to begin to lay the foundation for the rest of the season. 

Prediction: Win (3-0)

Game 4: at Bowling Green Falcons

Mackenzie: Traveling back up north, this time the Bulls will land in Ohio for a matchup against Bowling Green.

The head coach of the Falcons is Eddie Green, a former Heisman Trophy winner. While they didn’t have the greatest 2025 season, there was also a mass exodus to the transfer portal, and we all know how that goes.

The rebuild starts with quarterback Austin Novosad, a transfer from Oregon. However, the results the program is seeking may take a little while to come full circle and still might not be in full effect by Week 4.

Prediction: Win (3-1)

Brandyn: No MAC game is ever a complete walk-in-the-park, especially on the road.

Eddie George has Bowling Green moving in the right direction, notching an impressive 2026 recruiting class and transfer portal haul. The offense has some fun pieces, especially with Oregon transfer Austin Novosad potentially taking the reins at quarterback. And while the defense added talent in the portal, it is a unit with plenty of players who do not have a ton of experience. 

Considering the talent they have on both sides of the ball, the Bulls should have no problems with the Eagles in their fourth game of the year. If they execute like they are supposed to, they should move to 4-0 on the season. 

Prediction: Win (4-0)

Game 5: vs. Temple Owls

Mackenzie: This is the game where the season starts to get more interesting.

The Temple Owls coming to Tampa will mark the second of seven conference matchups for the Bulls this season. While the Owls faltered for several consecutive seasons, they saw vast improvement by bringing in new head coach K.C. Keeler last year. It’s anticipated that the path for Temple is only up from here. 

Quarterback Jaxon Smolik, a transfer from Penn State, is expected to step up as an early leader and direct the offense. Tight end Peter Clarke stepped up during the spring, securing the primary slot position and can be a versatile player maker as well. Linebacker Curly Ordonez returns as one of the American’s most dynamic and productive off-ball playmakers. He earned preseason All-American Conference recognition from Athlon Sports first team and Phil Steele’s second team.

With a hometown crowd, I think it’s possible for USF to squeak this one out.

Prediction: Win (4-1)

Brandyn: Welcome to conference play…again!

Temple is a dark-horse contender in the American in 2026. The defense, led by players like Eric Stuart and Curly Ordonez, should be much better this season. And despite some quarterback questions as of the writing of this article, I have confidence in K.C. Keeler’s scheme creating plenty of production for that unit. Peter Clarke, one of the more underrated tight end prospects in the country, should be in store for a big year. 

This game will be fascinating for USF on both sides of the football. Defensively, they will need to shut down the up-tempo scheme of the Owls. Josh Aldridge’s unit will have to stop the run consistently and put Temple in third-down situations. Once there, they will have to get after the quarterback and get their unit off the field. 

On offense, they will need to be effective on the ground and through the air. They will have to control the clock, avoid turnovers, and score at a semi-consistent rate. 

USF has the advantage in the trenches to win this game. It will be a fun one, though, and it should end up being one of the better American Conference games up to this point of the season. 

Prediction: Win (5-0)

Game 6: at UTSA Roadrunners

Mackenzie: Another testament to how USF will handle difficult games on the road comes in Week 6 against UTSA.

This is one of those games that can truly go either way. Visiting teams that go to play in the Alamodome have proved to be a very difficult task to come out of successfully.

Star quarterback Owen McCown is back for UTSA as he’s proved difficult to maintain at times. There was not exactly the best blood between both programs as of late in the season after comments Traylor made regarding USF’s roster being bought. However, Hartline has certainly maximized and allocated his resources.

This could be a difficult one to pull off, but this roster and staff may just have what it takes to make history.

Prediction: Win (5-1)

Brandyn: Up to this point for South Florida, this is the most difficult task of the season. 

UTSA is borderline unbeatable in the Alamo Dome. They return a rock-solid quarterback in Owen McCown and a fun running back in Will Henderson, along with some other fun weapons on offense. Defensively, the Roadrunners return Owen Pewee at linebacker and have a fun secondary headlined by Ahamad and Assad Champman. 

The Bulls, on both offense and defense, have the talent to win this football game. But for a first-time coaching staff, getting the win in San Antonio will be a difficult task. It is a coin flip game for me, and I really do think USF could pull out the win. However, I think UTSA ekes by them here and erases a perfect season. 

Prediction: Loss (5-1)

Game 7: vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

Mackenzie: After a couple of tough conference games, USF will host Kent State for homecoming.

This will mark the first-ever meeting between the Golden Flashes and the Bulls. In Mark Carney’s first season as head coach last year, Kent State went 5-7 and posted a 4-4 record in the MAC. 

Wide receiver Da’Realyst Clark was named first-team preseason All-MAC as an explosive kick returner, while Dustyn Morrell serves as a leader and foundational piece on the offensive line.

Going undefeated at home, USF accomplished an impressive statistic last season. Will history repeat itself?

Prediction: Win (6-1)

Brandyn: After a loss to UTSA, South Florida gets a nice rebound game in Kent State. 

The Golden Flashes have some nice talent scattered around the roster, headlined by players like  Da’Realyst Clark, quarterback Dru DeShields, and former Bull Rocco Nicholl. 

Any scare opportunity is mitigated by this being a home game for the Bulls. They should find plenty of success in all areas of the game, and in preparation for a crucial stretch run, South Florida will have a nice opportunity to build some positive momentum. 

Prediction: Win (6-1)

Game 8: vs. UAB Blazers

Mackenzie: This is the game where the conference slate really starts to pick up.

The UAB Blazers will take a visit to Tampa on Halloween night. This is another program in a rebuilding state after firing head coach Trent Dilfer in the middle of the season and later losing numerous production in the transfer portal. However, under recently promoted head coach Alex Mortensen, the Blazers are expected to make strides and see some improvement this season. Mortensen got to work straight away and acquired 41 players from the portal. Key contributors ahead of the 2026 season include quarterback Ryder Burton, running back Roderick Robinson II, and wide receiver Kaleb Brown.

Despite these assets, this matchup still seems to lean toward a win for the Bulls.

Prediction: Win (7-1)

Brandyn: Conference play resumes here for the Bulls, as they welcome UAB to Raymond James Stadium. 

Inserting Alex Mortensen as the full-time head coach, I think the Blazers will start moving in the right direction. Quarterback Ryder Burton is also a fun player for the team’s offense. 

However, UAB simply does not have the talent to compete with USF, let alone with it being a road game. The Bulls, barring a major shock, will build more momentum in this game ahead of four conference games that will decide their ultimate fate in 2026. 

Prediction: Win (7-1)

Game 9: at East Carolina Pirates

Mackenzie: Don’t let this one fool you. At a pivotal point in the season, this game could have major conference implications. 

The main storyline here surrounds defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge, who served the same role for ECU last season. Under Aldridge, the Pirates defense was the best in the conference, and his decision to leave the program wasn’t exactly amicable. 

East Carolina had themselves a 9-4 season and were 6-2 in conference play, tied for the exact same records as South Florida in 2025. They also secured a win over Pitt in the Military Bowl. The concern for USF here is that ECU could be even better this year. But after all, so could USF.

Head coach Blake Harrell has standout members on the line, including defensive lineman Jasiyah Robinson and offensive lineman Brandon Best. Both have earned preseason honors.

This game is yet another crucial test and may end as a redemption story.

Prediction: Win (8-1)

Brandyn: One of South Florida’s biggest games of the season, East Carolina will 100-percent be ready to play this late in the season. 

Blake Harrell is one of the best coaches in the conference, and I trust his ability to get the most out of a roster with so many new players. Ashton Gray is a very fun player at the running back position, and whether it is Kendrick DuJour or Jasiyah Robinson, the Pirates have a nice defensive line presence. 

While I expect this team to be good, I am very uncertain about the quarterback position in light of Katin Houser’s departure. Additionally, the Pirates’ defensive scheme bears monitoring, as Josh Aldridge currently resides in Tampa Bay. 

This result could change, but I feel that ECU’s losses on both sides of the ball will be too much to overcome this season. They will give the Bulls a big-time game and run for their money, but when push comes to shove, I think USF pulls out the victory. Like with all of the games between contenders in this conference, though, this one could go either way. 

Prediction: Win (8-1)

Game 10: vs. Memphis Tigers

Mackenzie: Every year in recent history, this matchup is not highly anticipated for USF fans.

The Tigers lead the overall series 10-4, including the last five in a row. Memphis is also in a similar situation going into this season with a new head coach and a new roster to a certain extent. How Memphis’s season goes will heavily depend on how quickly Charles Duff solidifies a quarterback and facilitates the team as a whole settling down. 

Running back Dallan Hayden is expected to heavily lead the backfield while linebacker Michael Montgomery is projected to anchor the defense. The initial quarterback battle will be between Air Noland and Marcus Stokes. Noland joins the Tigers after previous stops at South Carolina and Ohio State. Stokes transfers in from West Florida.

This is another matchup that can truly go either way, but Memphis may not be ready to give up their reign just yet.

Prediction: Loss (8-2)

Brandyn: Revenge is a dish best served at home. 

A year after Memphis stormed back to beat USF, the Bulls get a chance to return the favor to the Tigers. Memphis has a very experienced and talented head coach in Charles Huff, who brings in plenty of talent across the board. At quarterback, the winner of the battle between Marcus Stoles and Air Noland should be in store for a good amount of success. The running backs, wideouts, and offensive line have plenty of upside. Defensive lineman J’Mond Tapp could be one of the best in the American, and he will be surrounded by a rock-solid overall unit. 

This game will be a rock fight between two of the biggest risers in not only the American Conference, but the entire Group of 6. Both teams will have to execute at a high level, and the winner will be decided by the team that avoids the back-breaking mistakes. Most importantly to USF fans, the coaching will have to be at its very best for them to win the game. 

It is another coin flip football game for USF. Yet, based on their previous battles, I think they pull out the win. They will learn from their mistakes in the UTSA loss, fix them, and take revenge for 2025 to put themselves in a position to get to the conference championship game. 

Prediction: Win (9-1)

Game 11: at Florida Atlantic Owls

Mackenzie: An old friend, foe, companion, or however you see it. USF against FAU is not a rivalry per se, but rather just one of those games in the Florida market that tends to stir up attention, especially among the fanbases.

The Owls are undergoing year two with head coach Zach Kittley, who has brought a lot of promise to Florida Atlantic and the Boca Raton area. They have quarterback Caden Veltkamp, wide receiver Easton Messer, defensive lineman CJ Doggette, and many more weapons at their disposal. As an underdog in the conference, FAU is certainly searching for more this year. 

With Veltkamp healthy and Messer returning alongside him with the potential to be one of the most productive receivers in the conference once again, it will be difficult to put a stop to the dynamic duo. Already in the preseason, this is shaping up to be quite the battle.

Prediction: Win (9-2)

Brandyn: If FAU takes the steps I think they could take this year, this could be one of the last key cogs in determining conference championship participants. Even if that does not occur, though, this game has fun written all over it. 

Zach Kittley’s offense is one of the more fun ones in the conference, and it is led by talented quarterback Caden Veltkamp. Wideout Easton Messer is one of the more underrated players in the country, while the likes of Dom Hnery, Branden Hoch, and Kelby Valsin are potential breakout candidates. I am a big fan of the offensive line’s reconstruction, with Braden Cunningham’s insertion into the starting lineup being a major factor. 

Defense is the key question for the Owls, and they acknowledged that fact with their moves this offseason. Blake Burris is a great addition on the interior of the defensive line. Defensive lineman Wilky Denuad, defensive lineman C.J. Doggette, and linebacker Leon Hart Jr. return as key cogs. Outside of them, I like the addition of Jay Crable and the insertion of Damon Allen into the starting lineup. 

There will be fireworks in this game no matter what. The ultimate result, though, hinges on the defenses for both teams. Based on their matchups with FIU and UTSA earlier in the year, I think the South Florida defense will be more than prepared to take on the Owls. This is also the same defensive coordinator who, for lack of a better term, stuffed FAU in a locker to close out the 2025 season. 

As for FAU, I truly need to see the playcaller and scheme take a step forward before I express confidence in it. The Owls got torched last year, and it affected their offense’s ability to truly put teams away. Until that changes, I have USF taking home the win on the road. 

Prediction: Win (10-1)

Game 12: vs. Tulane Green Wave

Mackenzie: For the regular season football finale, USF gets Tulane at home fresh after Thanksgiving. 

Under Jon Sumrall, the Green Wave made great strides and became a powerhouse in the American, winning the conference championship and going all the way to the first round of the College Football Playoff last year. Tulane is yet another program undergoing a rebuild this season – new head coach, new roster, new playbook. 

The big question mark here is whether or not Tulane will establish the same production and maintain the recent momentum of the program. 

Head coach Will Hall will look to the likes of safety Jack Tchienchou, running back Jaylin Lucas, and linebacker Chris Rodgers to hold things down.

USF has one win in its five-game history with Tulane, which came in 2017. Why not break some records while we’re at it?

Prediction: Win (10-2)

Brandyn: The finale at Raymond James Stadium is a big one for the Bulls.

Tulane has been the big dog in the American Conference for multiple years, and for good reason. Under both Willie Fritz and Jon Sumrall, the Green Wave have churned out top-level talent on a consistent basis. Even under a new coaching staff, that will not change in 2026. Tulane has a breakout running back in the making with Jamauri McClure and a great wideout duo of Destyn Hill and Anthony Brown-Stephens. Their defense returns Chris Rodgers at linebacker and Jack Tchienchou at safety, while also having a fun cornerback in E’zaiah Shine. 

However, I am not high on Tulane’s coaching staff. Will Hall does not inspire much confidence, and I think they will lose the edge they had with both Fritz and Sumrall. South Florida will have great defensive coaching, and by this point of the year, I think that Hartline will have the offense humming. It will be a close game, but ultimately, I think the Bulls pull this off to potentially seal a conference championship appearance. 

Prediction: Win (11-1)

Breakout Player, Offense

Mackenzie: D.J. Crowther, RB OR Mudia Reuben, WR

The Bulls’ offense undoubtedly has a lot of talent, and picking out players who are deemed to be impactful is a hard task. For me, to go with two off the top of my head, I’m going with wide receiver Mudia Reuben and running back D.J. Crowther.

Reuben came to the Bulls in 2025 after three seasons at Stanford. Last season, he was third on the team with 495 receiving yards and fourth with 26 receptions, tallying five touchdown catches. He surged in the last three games of the season, quickly becoming a fan favorite, and is poised to continue on that trajectory.

Crowther is a transfer from Dartmouth who, in his four seasons there, logged 265 carries for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns in 31 games played. He’s shown that he can be explosive, have good reads, and be a versatile asset from the backfield. As he emerged as one of Dartmouth’s top offensive weapons in 2025, I believe he can do the same for South Florida this year.

Brandyn: Jason Collins Jr., RB OR Wyatt Sullivan, TE

For an offensive unit that contains a large swath of talented players, picking one, or even two, breakout candidates is difficult. You could make an argument for multiple wideouts, running backs, tight ends, and quarterbacks. But in an attempt to narrow things down, I am going with running back Jason Collins Jr. and tight end Wyatt Sullivan.

Collins Jr., a transfer from Morgan State, had 430 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games played. He has the vision, explosiveness, and speed to make an immediate impact in 2026, especially in a USF offense that wants to run the ball. Even if he is not the “bellcow,” I think Collins Jr. will be a very fun piece of the offense.

Sullivan, a nice player in the 2025 offense when targeted, is finally in an offense that should unlock his full skill set. I think that the tight end will be a force in the vertical passing game and will be a nice blocker in a variety of ways for the Bulls. A good or great tight end can unlock offenses, and in 2026, I think that Sullivan will be that for South Florida. 

Breakout Player, Defense

Mackenzie: CJ Hicks, DE

Defensive end CJ Hicks gained a lot of buzz around his name after the news of his decision to transfer to South Florida came out. Following head coach Brian Hartline, Hicks made the switch from Ohio State after four seasons as a Buckeye. He played in 44 games, 15 of which were in the 2024 season when Ohio State won the national championship. Throughout his collegiate career, Hicks posted 42 tackles and 4.0 tackles-for-loss, two of which were quarterback sacks. Following his breakout year, Hicks has a lot of potential and opportunity to continue on that trajectory at South Florida.

His fellow offensive teammates have mentioned that having C.J. Hicks running at you is not a fun experience and I think that speaks volumes to the type of player he is and the impact he could make.

Brandyn: Shemar Meikle, JACK, OR Major Dillard, DL

Like the offense, there is a wide variety of players who could break out for South Florida this season. No matter what level of the unit it is, there is talent that has the opportunity to emerge as key contributors for Josh Aldridge’s unit. The two players that I currently have on breakout watch for 2026 are Shemar Meikle and Major Dillard.

Meikle, a Florida native who started his career at Oregon State, had 28 tackles with six tackles for loss, two sacks, and five quarterback hurries in 2025. He has good skill against the run, and as a pass rusher, Meikle has an impressive arsenal of moves. I loved what he showed in the spring game and think he could be a breakout player at the “JACK” position.

Dillard, a player who transferred up from Norfolk State, is an imposing run defender who notched 70 tackles last season. Listed at 330 pounds and 6 feet 2 inches, the defensive tackle has the ability to shut down run games and wreak havoc in the backfield. If he adds more pass rushing production to his arsenal, Dillard could be one of the best defensive linemen in the conference. 

Sleepers to Watch

Mackenzie

Michael Williams, DE

Having spent his entire collegiate career, being five seasons at South Florida, Michael Williams has been a part of many versions of the Bulls. As he steadily began to post up stats, Williams missed the first half of the 2025 season due to an injury. But he bounced back and recorded 19 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack to finish up the year.

As a veteran member of the defense, he has logged many snaps over the years and is a figure for the younger players in the room to look up to. He may not be one of the most widely regarded players, but as one of the most experienced defenders up front, I think that Michael Williams has the abilities to be impactful for the Bulls once again.

Demetrius Geathers Jr., JACK

A true freshman out of West Boca, Demetrius Geathers Jr. is a player that I was very high on starting with his recruitment. He put up impressive stats in high school, recording 150 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, four forced fumbles, two touchdowns, and a blocked punt. While he’s on the younger side, he’s proven that he can be a great asset on the defensive side of the ball. When given the opportunity, I think he will certainly be able to rise to the occasion. 

Tayvion Beasley, STAR

Now a redshirt senior, Beasley has spent each season of his collegiate career at a different program, most recently coming from BYU. Throughout his four seasons he played in 32 games and logged a career best 21 tackles in 2025. Throughout his training at USF so far, Beasley has shown that he can be explosive, dynamic, and make a break to the football. In my opinion, his current stats are not an accurate representation of his abilities and I think he could be a major piece of USF’s defense this season.

Kenny Odom, WR

In a receiving unit that is stacked with talent, Odom is one that stood out to me as going slightly under many people’s radar. Transferring in from UTEP he brings 36 games of experience, tallying 136 catches for 1,624 yards and 17 touchdowns, along with three career 100-yard games. Showing many flashes throughout the spring game and now fall camp, Kenny Odom is shaping up to be a weapon for the Bull’s receiving corps and he shouldn’t be taken lightly. I think he could be very good and make a major impact for USF’s offense this year.

Brandyn

Levi Smiley, DE

A younger player for South Florida on the defensive line, Smiley will likely start the year behind some of the team’s veteran players. But with powerful hands and overall great athleticism, Smiley has the potential to be a multi-faceted contributor. If he garners enough playing time, Smiley is a sleeper pick to be a key cog in the Bulls’ defensive line rotation. 

Masiyah Limehouse, CB

A true freshman, Limehouse looked highly comfortable playing in coverage in his first spring with South Florida. His speed and overall athleticism were immediately noticeable, as well as the physicality he displayed. If the run game clicks for him, the Plant City product is the archetype of player who could work his way onto the field early in his career. 

Sam Robinson, LB

Transferring in from Rutgers, Sam Robinson has the pedigree (former four-star prospect by On3) and opportunity to be an impact player. He has the size and speed to wreak havoc in the run game and make plays in coverage. If he starts alongside fellow transfer Grayson Howard, Robinson will become a key cog for the South Florida defense. Despite a lack of widespread hype so far, Robinson is one of the players I am very excited to watch in 2026. 

Jaylin Acevedo, OL

A Navy transfer, Acevedo is not likely in pole position to be a starter out of the gate for the Bulls. However, the offensive lineman is legit when it comes to pass protection; according to PFF, he did not allow a sack on 110 opportunities last season. If he can add strength to his overall game and find more consistency as an overall player, Acevedo could be a stalwart in the trenches for South Florida. He is far from a guarantee, but he is worth keeping an eye on. 

Chase Garnett, RB

While the Bulls’ running back room is deep, Chase Garnett has the talent to be one of the best of the group this season. A Texas native, the running back had an impressive touchdown run against North Texas last year and was a force in USF’s spring game this year. Garnett moves with smoothness before unleashing great burst, using his vision to find the right lanes. Add in his strength, and Garnett has the all-around game to make an impact. Keep an eye on him as the year progresses. 

Gabe Legrand, WR

A deep sleeper? Perhaps! The pecking order of South Florida’s wide receiver room is up for discussion, but the talent within it is not. And while upperclassmen take up the majority of the headlines, Gabe Legrand is a player on the younger side who has an extremely high ceiling. A standout for Lake Wales, Legrand has the speed, route running, and contested catch ability to thrive in multiple situations. He already has one of the bigger overall frames in the room, especially when combining height and weight, and has some of the best red zone receptions I have seen on a recruit’s tape. In all likelihood, Legrand (alongside fellow talented freshman Dmari Roberts) will not play too much and will develop under head coach Brian Hartline. But considering his skillset and the elimination of the redshirt with the “5-for-5” rule, I would not be surprised to see Legrand deployed in certain situations. No matter what occurs for him this season, I am very excited to see what Legrand can become at USF. 

Team MVP

Mackenzie: Grayson Howard, LB

There is, of course, a lot to discuss about the offense, but the defense needs a leader too. So with that, my football Team MVP for the 2026 USF Bulls’ season would go to linebacker Grayson Howard.

Starting his college career at South Carolina, then spending the next two seasons at Florida, he quickly made a very good first impression. Playing in 23 collegiate games, his career-best 37 tackles came in 2024 for the Gators. His 2025 season would be limited due to injury, but upon arriving in Tampa, Howard remained focused on his recovery and moving forward to come back even stronger. At the center of the defensive unit, it didn’t take long for him to become someone many of the guys look to.

Speaking about how poised he is to be in this position, Grayson does not take this role lightly. On top of being a role model to look to on the field, he wants to do all that he can for the team. I think Howard is in a great position to lead this South Florida defense efficiently, as well as a major contributor to this Bulls football team.  

Brandyn: Luke Kromenhoek, QB 

Ok, so let us start with the obvious. There is a major chance that Michael Van Buren wins this job, and as a result, Kromenhoek does ot play that much this season. In that case, I would pivot to him being the “Team MVP” for the 2026 season. However, I am planting my flag with Kromenhoek for a few reasons.

In terms of the offense, I think that the “full potential” of the unit could be more accessible with the Florida State/Mississippi State transfer at the helm. Kromenhoek has a big arm and showed nice touch during the spring. Out of both quarterbacks, he had more of the “big-time” throws. And based on what I think South Florida’s strengths will be in 2026, Kromenhoek can take advantage of defenses, especially on play action, to create chunk plays. He won’t necessarily add to the run game (despite his athleticism), but he will benefit from its success.

It remains to be seen who will actually win this job, and I think both players could be great for the Bulls. But if it is Kromenhoek at the helm, I think he would be in store for a very, very good season. More importantly, I think he would play a vital role in helping South Florida win plenty of games in 2026.