After a stunning comeback win against Army in West Point, South Florida returns home this Saturday with momentum for Week 3 of the 2026 college football season. As the mentality has been to go 1-0 each week and there was a vast improvement in execution from over just two weeks already, there is of course work that remains to be done. Head coach Brian Hartline and his team are still nowhere near satisfied with the performance, and these adjustments are continuing to be made everyday.
Next up is going back under the Saturday night lights at Raymond James Stadium, this time to face the Delaware State Hornets.
USF vs. Delaware State 2026 Preview
History and Excerpts
This will mark the first ever meeting between these two programs.
While the Bulls’ stunner of a win at Army quickly gained a lot of widespread attention, that isn’t changing their preparation or approach in any way. As for the Hornets, they have been tested in some areas, but they’ve also been vastly successful and have 11 recorded sacks over the last three games – something to be mindful of.
South Florida is entering this matchup with a 2-0 record and now 1-0 in conference play to start the season. Delaware State is currently 2-1 on the season under head coach DeSean Jackson.
Key Players: South Florida
QB Michael Van Buren Jr.
Not only did he make great strides from Week 1 to Week 2, but quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. is making a very good name for himself in Tampa and in further being a highly-regarded QB.
In only two weeks, he’s grown more comfortable in the pocket, makes good reads, his accuracy has improved, and he ran in two touchdowns himself against Army. The signal-caller has already proved that he can be effective and execute when it comes to high-pressure situations. There are always improvements that can be made, but up to this point, Van Buren emulates what you look for to command the team and influence success.
OL Thomas Shrader
Sliding into the center position in the last game, Shrader has earned a lot of emphasis behind his name. The offensive line as a whole continues to show up and show out, battling things out in the trenches. Shrader is a team leader who radiates toughness and grit, continuing to raise the bar and impress.
LB Sam Robinson
Robinson has greatly stepped up at the linebacker position and leading alongside Rodney Hill. He rather consistently finds his way through the line and into the backfield, halting plays before they get the chance to develop further. He’s a weapon that opposing offenses should stay weary of.
Key Players: Delaware State
QB Ui Ale
Quarterback Ui Ale leads the charge for the Hornets. He has 530 passing yards and 119 rushing yards on the season, making him the teams second leading rusher behind running back Jayden Jenkins – another thing to keep note of.
WR Jaylin Terzado
Ale’s main target has been wide receiver Jaylin Terzado. Over 10 receptions, he has racked up 185 yards with a long of 72 yards and a touchdown for the season. South Florida’s defense should keep tabs on him.
DB Wayne Favors III
Favors has been a standout in Delaware State’s secondary. While he has 11 total tackles, he’s also tallied two interceptions this year. He could play a big role in minimizing explosiveness and containing USF’s receiving corps downfield.
USF: Keys to Victory
Avoid self-inflicted mistakes
Limiting mistakes that can cause you yards, flags, and time on the clock can bean overall game changer in the grand scheme of things. While some situations may end up being unavoidable in the moment, double checking things and playing your smartest football can work out greatly in your favor when it’s all said and done.
Maintain the same turnover margin
The Bulls have yet to turn the ball over once this season, which especially under a new head coach is a pretty good stat line to have. They will certainly aim to keep it that way of course. It can only help their chances of success.
Sticky hands receivers
If there is any one position group that’s been particularly singled out and not for all the best reasons, it’s probably the wide receivers. While Van Buren is quickly approaching 400 passing yards, his current completion rate is 62.5-percent, which is fine, but certainly not the most ideal. That is in part due to many dropped passes over the span of these two games. Improving efficiency for both the wide receivers and the tight ends will be vital.
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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.