Fresh off a bye week and an exciting first quarter of the 2025 season, the USF Bulls return under the lights this Friday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. While the Bulls had some very physical matchups, the time off was spent healing and preparing for the week ahead. After a tough stretch of facing three ranked opponents in a row and handling a fairly one-sided FCS matchup, USF shifts its focus to conference play and is starting this slate with the Charlotte 49ers. It’s a USF vs. Charlotte showdown for the American in Week 6, so let’s dive into this 2025 preview.
USF Bulls vs. Charlotte 49ers: History and Excerpts
This game will mark the third all-time meeting between these two teams, with all three occurring in consecutive years. USF is currently undefeated in the series, including last year’s 59-24 win on the road in North Carolina. Based on South Florida’s performance so far this season, a similar outcome for this game may be in the cards.
Charlotte began this season with a newer coaching staff, including head coach Tim Albin, who took over last December after four seasons at Ohio. When it comes to comparing these two teams, they are both heavily veteran-led, with plenty of players having vast experience and a large amount of college football snaps.
Going into this matchup, the 49ers are 10th in the American and hold a 1-3 record. While their win against Monmouth was secured after making a comeback in the second half, they also lost their starting quarterback ahead of their upcoming trip to Florida.
USF vs. Charlotte 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions
Key Players for South Florida
It’s difficult not to continuously mention linebacker Mac Harris, as he has put on impressive performances and improved stats week by week. Harris is a very important voice and presence not only on the field, but also in the locker room for the Bulls. Mac had a monstrous game in Week 4 against South Carolina State, including a pick-six, two sacks, and 10 tackles for the day. Jhalyn Shuler is right there next to him as a huge part of this defense as well; Harris and Shuler are tied right now with 36 total tackles on the season.
Looking closer at the offense, wide receiver Chas Nimrod is a go-to target for Byrum Brown. Nimrod has shown that he can catch passes just about anywhere on the field, already notching 367 total receiving yards. He’ll aim for his third 100-yard-plus game this Friday against the 49ers.
The offensive unit as a whole finally looked like everything was starting to click in Week 4. Part of that can be credited to the success of the run game and running back Alvon Isaac. He’s leading with 121 rushing yards, just shy of quarterback Byrum Brown with 120. Brown has also continued to show improved efficiency not only in his own play, but also in how he leads the Bulls’ offense.
Key Players for Charlotte
Charlotte starting quarterback Connor Harrell will be out for the season after suffering an ACL tear in their matchup against Monmouth. In relief at quarterback for the 49ers will be Grayson Loftis. While this is a new adjustment for the offense, Loftis has nearly 300 passing yards already.
Wide receiver E. Jai Mason is a reliable target, totaling 20 receptions for 308 yards, along with fellow receiver Javen Nicholas, who is not far behind. So far this season, the run game has been a very pivotal aspect for Charlotte. This unit is led by running back Rod Gainey Jr., who has posted 145 rushing yards, and CJ Stokes, who will look to continuously move the ball downfield as well.
At the forefront of the defense is linebacker Shay Taylor and defensive back Ja’Qurious Conley. Both will work to maintain control of USF’s offense at the line and downhill.
2025 Game Prediction: How USF Wins vs. Charlotte in Week 6
Capitalize on the Environment
Having the home-field crowd is a very important aspect for USF. Fans seem to be more ecstatic than ever to come watch college football in Tampa, which means a lot to the program and the players. This will be a primetime matchup on Friday night, and the theme for this game is Flashback Friday, which adds some additional intrigue for fans, too. The Bulls will be wearing helmets with the Robo Bull logo from the 1997 season.
Establish the Run Early
It will be important for USF to continue the momentum they started against SC State. While their run game stalled out early in the season, it ended up being one of the key components for how the Bulls were able to put up over 60 points on the board in Week 4. If they can’t get things moving downfield and consistently get stuck on third and out, a lot more could start going wrong.
Protect the Football
It is much easier said than done, but avoiding turnovers, bad snaps, or miscues will help to limit opportunities that give up easy points. USF relies on explosive plays on offense and preventing opposing offenses from hitting them on defense. In order to stay in control of possession and the game, while also having the best possible chance to win, ball security will be key.
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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.