USF Football: 2025 Fall Camp Recap

The last few weeks have flown by, and we’ve quickly entered the beginning of the college football season. The USF Bulls have officially wrapped up fall camp, and this recap will dive in to some of the key points of the team’s 2025 practices.

After several weeks of conditioning, grit, and competition, the team is solidifying their identity and prepping for a season they’re determined to be remembered by. Here are my biggest takeaways from camp, and a few players to watch as the team prepares to host Boise State in Week 1.

USF Football: 2025 Fall Camp Recap

Main Takeaways

There’s no doubt about it, this year’s schedule is a gauntlet. The first three weeks feature matchups against top-25 opponents in Boise State (25), Florida (15), and Miami (10). However, that kind of challenge may be just what this team needs. In fact, it might be what this program has been waiting for.

Head coach Alex Golesh and the team have continuously emphasized that they’re not looking too far ahead. Their focus is on taking it one week at a time, preparing for each game individually.

The consistent theme at practice was clear. This team is confident and determined to make a splash.

One of the strongest features of this roster is the depth they’ve built. USF is full of veteran leadership, with players who have logged many snaps, both from the Bulls and other programs. The number of transfers and freshman who have joined the team this year have also been essential in raising the bar and elevating their game.

Practice Standouts

Here are a few players who consistently impressed, specifically throughout the second half of camp:

Defensive tackle Josh Celiscar is an emerging leader. He sets the tone from the beginning, with high energy in warmups and a focused approach during drills. Celiscar was also honored with wearing No. 63, a tribute to Lee Roy Selmon, marking USF’s first tradition honoring his legacy.

Wide receiver Josh Porter is a fast, sharp route-runner with many impressive catches. He definitely has the potential to have a breakout season.

Quarterback Locklan Hewlett has continued to become more comfortable and confident everyday. He’s shown real progress and his reps have been fun to watch.

Watch List

• Gaston Moore: Has been a consistent playmaker and respected presence throughout camp. He’s proved to be a very reliable option.
• Connor McLaughlin: I’m interested to see where he will play on the the line and how this offensive line will gel.
• Wyatt Sullivan: He has adapted into this offense very well, becoming a weapon at tight end.
• Keshaun Singleton: Singleton is poised to have a breakout year. He could become the go-to option on offense.
• Fred Gaskin: Gaskin continues to stand out on the defensive side of the ball.
• De’Shawn Rucker: Rucker is consistently raising his level of play and can reach new heights this season.
• Mudia Reuben: A new addition to the Bulls with veteran experience. His positive impact has been felt in practice.

USF Bulls Fall Camp Recap: Quotes of 2025

Offensive lineman Cole Best spoke on what his gut feeling is about this year’s team and what they are going to showcase on the field:

“My gut says you’re going to see a group of guys who are gonna play for each other. They’re gonna play hard, whistle to whistle, and we’re gonna leave everything we have out on the field. There’s gonna be no regrets. There won’t be a drop off. It’s gonna be just balls to the wall every single play.”

I asked kicker Nico Gramatica if there are any new drills or techniques that he has incorporated into his training this year:

“Mainly the stuff I do are just steps and just swinging my leg without kicking it. Me and Coach Majewski had a meeting with my dad to see about some other drills, but he helps me a lot. Coach Majewski shows me new drills [and asks me if I] like that drill, do you not like that drill, to see what works for me. It’s incredible to have him on our side too, to show us all these things to be a better kicker.

Offensive lineman Connor McLaughlin spoke about his feelings surrounding his first fall camp as a Bull and if it feels different compared to his previous years at Stanford. 
“It’s a tough camp. It was a grind for sure, but I enjoyed it. Coach Hoodie had us all talk about [our] why. Why [we] are playing football, and I really had to think about that because I graduated, I have my degree … I think the best reason is that football is something you can never master and I love that.”

Looking Ahead to Week 1

With fall camp officially in the books, all eyes are on Boise State. The Bulls head into Week 1 with enhanced depth, growing leadership, and a relentless drive to make a statement.

Getting to cover this fall camp in person has really been an awesome experience-and now, it’s almost game time. Let the season begin!