No. 25 Boise State Broncos made a trip to Tampa for the season opener to take on the USF Bulls, and this Week 1 showdown was full of stunning developments.
While Boise came in as the favorite, just about everything ended up going against the Broncos. And, the Bulls made certain that the college football world knows their name.
USF’s defense came to play, while quarterback Byrum Brown also made a strong return. Yet one thing was certain – the Bulls put on a show tonight.
USF vs. Boise State: Week 1 Recap
Dominating Defense
While Byrum Brown and the offensive unit took a few drives to get going, the defense was dynamic from the start.
De’Shawn Rucker made a huge stop early in the first quarter. Not long after, Boise suffered their first fumble of the night, which was assisted by Mac Harris and recovered by Jhalyn Shuler. Both Shuler and Harris were ruthless when it came to roughing up Boise QB Maddux Madsen, consistently pressuring him to scramble out of the pocket and for negative yards.
Cornerback Jonas Duclona was equally effective, disrupting Madsen’s attempts and logging multiple key tackles. Rucker made his presence felt again with another pass breakup, while Rico Watson and Josh Celiscar continued to put pressure on the Bronco’s quarterback throughout the night.
Turning Points
Right out of the gate, USF’s offense did not look the most promising. Brown was scrambling and taking sacks. In fact, it took a few drives throughout the first quarter before the Bulls’ offensive unit finally found their rhythm. And after that, it became a one-sided affair.
Boise struck first, putting the opening points on the board. Yet after that score, Brown connected with Chas Nimrod for a 37-yard gain downfield to end the first quarter. Nico Gramatica would go on to put up the first points for the Bulls, nailing a 52-yard field goal. From there, Brown was not afraid to continuously take the ball himself. This included a head-on collision that would put him back in the end zone.
For Boise, running back Sire Gaines was a key piece of the offense, helping move the ball downfield. Yet with constant pressure from USF’s secondary, the Broncos gave up their second fumble of the night, this time recovered by Ira Singeleton.
For USF, their method of attack on both sides of the ball was rinse and repeat. However, the highlight of the game came in the third quarter on 4th-and-1. The special teams unit appeared to be coming out – or so we thought. Instead, true freshman quarterback Locklan Hewlett received the snap and launched an insane pass downfield into the hands of Keshaun Singelton for another touchdown.
USF WITH THE FAKE PUNT TOUCHDOWN 😱
Backup QB Locklan Hewlett snuck onto the field as the punter to deliver a strike, putting the Bulls up 17-7 over Bose State!
— BarnBurner Sports (@BB__Sports) August 28, 2025
Another key connection was Brown to Chas Nimrod. After hitting the reeiver again on a big gain, Brown capped off the drive with yet another touchdown run.
To wrap things up for the Bulls, De’Shawn Rucker delivered another huge pass breakup. That led to Cartevious Norton running it in for one final touchdown. That score sealed the 34-7 victory for the Bulls.
USF vs. Boise State Recap: Looking Ahead to Week 2
The USF Bulls have been hungry to make a statement, and tonight they did just that. From the opening snap, the message was clear: this defense means business. While the offense got off to a shaky start, once they found their rhythm, Boise State was unable able to slow them down.
Was it a perfect performance? No, it wasn’t. However, it was an electrifying start and exactly the kind of momentum this team needed.
Next up, USF will have a couple of days off before they prepare to face the Florida Gators in The Swamp on September 6.
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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.