It’s no secret at this point that University of South Florida head coach Brian Hartline is a master developer, especially at the wide receiver position. And, one player who has a chance to benefit is wide receiver Mudia Reuben, a contributor from the 2025 USF roster who stayed with the new coaching staff. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, Reuben has all the tools and the momentum to continue his trajectory throughout the 2026 season.
USF Football: Mudia Reuben
Who is Mudia Reuben?
Reuben came to USF in the summer of 2025 as a graduate transfer. The Kansas City, Missouri, native spent three years at Stanford, where he graduated with a degree in Life and Health Science. Now at USF, he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology-Biomedical Engineering.
Reuben did not have the most traditional path to the college football realm. He didn’t start playing football until the summer before his junior year of high school, and he was actually a nationally-recognized soccer player. Reuben received many honors in the sport in high school, as well as interest from college programs. Additionally, he competed in track and field and excelled in many areas as a multi-sport athlete throughout high school.
Fun fact: Mudia has citizenship in the United States, Canada, and Nigeria.
Player History
Spending his first three seasons at Stanford, Reuben played in every game as a true freshman in 2022. The very next year, he set career highs with 15 receptions for 199 yards, taking the field for 10 games and making three starts. His collegiate career would then be put on temporary pause after he suffered a foot injury that ended his 2024 season.
Coming to the Bulls in 2025, he consistently pushed to make his impact felt. Reuben played in 11 games, starting eight, and finished third on the team in receiving yards (495) and fourth in receptions (26), including five touchdowns. He finished the regular season with a dominant stretch of 14 receptions for 325 yards and four touchdowns over the final three games. His career-best stats came on the road against UAB, where he had five catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
While Mudia would miss playing in the Cure Bowl due to injury, he was named to the Pro Football Focus Team of the Week following Week 13.
Impact Off the Field
As Reuben consistently caught the eyes and attention of fans throughout this past season, the impact he makes off the field speaks to even higher volumes. Starting with his NIL earnings from Stanford, Reuben founded the Nigerian Water Project. Through the initiative, he has raised around $20,000 to help fund six water wells and additional water storage centers throughout Nigerian villages. Among many impacts, this project has eliminated individuals from having to go on walks of over several miles just to get clean water, ensuring access to clean water is being brought much closer to schools and villages.
His character is impeccable, as Reuben has received several honors and been asked to speak at a multitude of events. In 2024, he earned Stanford’s Billy Anderson Commitment to Community Outreach Award and was nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy and AFCA All-State Good Works Team.
He also excels academically, earning American Conference All-Academic honors in 2025 and receiving USF Athletic Honor Roll recognition in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Additionally, Reuben was invited to share his perspective and ideas surrounding NIL in discussions with Florida’s Board of Governors Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics. And most recently, Reuben appeared on USF’s Coaches Tour panel alongside CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins and head coach Brian Hartline.
Expectations for 2026
In 2026, Mudia Reuben is returning to USF as one of the most experienced receivers in the room. And, he is expected to play a larger role in Brian Hartline’s offense. Toward the end of the 2025 season, Mudia proved that he can be a major contributor, especially after putting up stats of multiple touchdown receptions spanning over 40 and 60 yards. Bringing veteran leadership both on and off the field, Reuben has all the tools to succeed and the potential to be one of the most productive receivers in the American Conference this year, as well as a go-to target for USF’s quarterbacks.
All in all, his character shines above anything else, and his dedication clearly stems beyond just the classroom or the football field.
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Mackenzie Neglia
Currently a student at the University of South Florida, raised in a New York football family. Always looking for a new book, coffee shop, and travel spot.