USF Football: Key Quotes From Bulls at 2026 American Kickoff

The representatives of USF Football at this year’s American Kickoff included head coach Brian Hartline, viral sensation and tight end Wyatt Sullivan, and linebacker Grayson Howard – just a short trip across the bridge. The event took place in Saint Petersburg, which is practically Tampa’s backyard. As a result, there were about 20 local media members present and covering the program. This is the one time each year where representatives for every team in the conference come together in one place and preseason quotes are recorded.

With that being said, here are a few key quotes from USF’s representatives at the 2026 American Conference Kickoff.

USF Football: Key Quotes From Bulls at 2026 American Kickoff

Head Coach Brian Hartline

Starting off, Hartline mentioned the great and competitive conference that is the American, and the energy surrounding it.

“The energy around our conference and the expectations of our conference, is what you want to be a part of, so, that’s a big reason why I wanted to come to South Florida. We compete at the highest level and we want to do that consistently.”

Hartline goes on to mention that with fall camp starting in just about two weeks, he’s excited to get back to work with his staff and his team. Moreso, noting that the more time they are all able to spend together, the more they are able to grow as an entire unit.

On retaining Sullivan, Hartline said many conversations went into Wyatt’s decision to stay in Tampa. Ultimately, he saw Hartline’s vision for the program and chose to be a part of it. Wyatt has become a focal point of the team and has been maximizing his offseason as well. However, Pup Howard has a bit of a different story.

“For us, it was really, really important to find the right type of young men to bring into the program, to help enhance the program. So, to get guys around Wyatt, to help push him, to help maximize him, to ultimately elevate the program and Pup embodies that. The way he works, the way he thinks, the communication he has with his peers, the set of expectations, his drive, all of it.”

Discussing what he will be implementing into his first fall camp as head coach, Hartline spoke about routine and consistency.

“I think as we work through the summer, everything that we hit on, even through winter, I’m not going to expect that they’re experts on those things. So there will be a lot of repeat conversations, repeat content, but that’s just because it’s the right content. It’s who we are, and I want to make sure these guys are experts at who we are, how we operate, the way we think. I think until that changes, that’s going to be our focus.”

Offensively, Hartline is very excited to see these guys really know their offense with all of the in and outs of the scheme. And on the defensive side of the ball, for players to play bigger, stronger, and faster. As spring ball was the precursor and first run of it all per say, fall camp is really the time to start seeing enhancements.

Hartline’s main goals that he is excited to see the team accomplish this season are for each individual to see the hard work they’ve put in translate into success, and the belief of the team to grow as a whole.

Wyatt Sullivan, Tight End

Sullivan began by stating what an honor it is to have this opportunity to represent USF football at the American Kickoff. And, he was very excited to be present at the event. As he has continued to emerge as a leader on this team, he explained that more people begin to look up you and there is less of a margin of error. He also touched upon the offense entering 2026.

“I’m actually really excited for y’all to see the wide receiver room we have this year,” began Sullivan. “Arhmad Branch, monster. Bryson Rodger, monster. Mudia Reuben, he has a chip on his shoulder, he feels people were forgetting who he was. Cam Seldon, there’s so many names to go down the list, Armani Winfield. There’s so many real playmakers, cause we got some freshman, those guys look really ahead of the curve and it’s going to be really exciting to see what we do as a offense. And the quarterbacks, they’re all amazing, really cool guys and they all have arms so we’re gonna see who wins that job.”

Sullivan also talked about the transition from being an offense, defense, and special teams’ in the spring, to now being one whole team approaching the fall. His major goal for everyone to be where their feet are, take it one step at a time, and attack everyday with passion.

Grayson “Pup” Howard, Linebacker

Grayson also feels very grateful for the opportunity to represent USF and sees it as a testament to how his coaches and  teammates feel about him, as well as to the work that he’s put in over the offseason. Throughout the spring till now, Pup has continued to grow not only as a player, but a leader and he feels his biggest area of growth has been in his football knowledge. He also mentioned being very confident in the system put in place by defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge.

On how the team has grown the most from the spring until now

“I feel like we’ve grown the most with callusing our bodies and our minds to be able to go out there and to be able to handle adversity throughout this season,” began Howard. “It’s X and O’s, and this and that; run fast, jump high and all this stuff. But the reality of it is how are we gonna handle ourselves when adversity does hit in the season? How are we gonna handle ourselves when things get tough?”

Howard continued to give immense credit to Coach Hartline and strength and conditioning coach Antonio Turner. The linebacker mentioned how they both have set this program up for success. Being able to go out during the season, putting in relentless effort is what will really separate this team. The overall goal is American Conference Championship, but Pup is still very focused on being the best teammate he can be.

Closing Thoughts

During his podium session, Hartline reflected on taking an opportunity at a place where there is no ceiling and is limitless.

“Here at South Florida we have everything we need to be successful and win on a consistent basis and win at the highest level in college football.”

Fall football camp is set to begin shortly, with a lot of intriguing eyes eager watch the USF Bulls in action this season.