The matchup between the USF Bulls and North Texas Mean Green was a wild affair on Friday night. There was plenty of scoring, twists, turns, and swings on both sides of the field. Despite going down early in the game, USF won the game by a score of 63-36. Everything clicked for the Bulls, which allowed them to run away with the game. They showed off their high-end talent, depth as a roster, and everything else in between. In short, Friday’s game ended up being a showcase of why USF is one of the main favorites in the American Conference. With that in mind, let’s recap this 2025 matchup between USF vs. North Texas.
USF vs. North Texas 2025 Game Recap
Byrum Brown: The Equalizer
When USF competes in football games, one thing is constant: Byrum Brown does a lot of really cool things for the Bulls. And, shocker, that is exactly what happened on Friday night
Brown finished with 245 yards passing and three touchdowns through the air, while also notching 82 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. For their initial numbers, PFF had Brown at one big-time throw, an ADOT of 8.8, three missed tackles forced, and 50 yards after contact.
After his fumbles and interception, Brown was locked in for the USF. He ran the ball with power and purpose, constantly churning out yardage while keeping the chains moving. As a passer, Brown found his accuracy and confidence as the game went on. The quarterback truly took it upon himself to ensure that the Bulls won this conference matchup.
It was obviously not a perfect performance for Brown, as he was responsible to three first-half turnovers. But just as he did against Charlotte and many other opponents this year, Brown overcame his issues, locked in, and finished the game as one of the best players on the field.
Brown already is one of the best players in the American Conference with the mistakes he has a tendency to occasionally make. If he eliminates turnovers and early game mistakes, Brown could be one of the best players in the country. It’s hard to say how many teams are beating USF with him at his best.
Position Players Show Out
At wideout, standout player Chas Nimrod departed the game with a lower-body injury after recording 45 yards, and looking like he could have had much more. While that may have been a blow that swings a game for most teams, that was not the case for USF.
Jeremiah Koger continued his ascent for the Bulls, racking up 94 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions. He showed smooth route running, great speed, elite catch strength, and great contested-catch ability. The sky is the limit for Koger, as he will keep improving within the offense as he gets more chances to play for the Bulls.
Christian Neptune not only flashed his great receiving ability again, but threw a perfect touchdown pass to open the second half. Keshaun Singleton, the recipient of that touchdown, once again displayed his speed, route running, and sheer big-play ability for the Bulls against North Texas. Mudia Rueben showed reliable hands once again, while Kory Pettigrew, another true freshman, showed nice speed and route running.
At tight end, Wyatt Sullivan and Jonathna Echols played a pivotal role for the offense. Sullivan had some great blocks and converted multiple first downs on his touches, running with great power after the catch. Echols, along with his blocking, had a great route and catch to secure the game-tying touchdown at the end of the first half of the game.
On the ground, the running back position was just as lethal as the wideouts were through the air.
Sam Franklin continued to run downhill with impressive power and burst, evidenced by him scoring yet another touchdown early in the third quarter. Nykahi Davenport did the same, notching 36 yards and 5.1 yards per attempt. Alvon Isaac provided the lightning in the backfield, constantly ripping off chunk gains when called upon. Totaling 64 yards on 12 attempts, the running back was a missed tackle or two away from a much higher total on the ground.
Chase Garnett, despite playing with the backups, showed impressive power, speed, vision, and burst on all six of his carries. Notching 74 yards on those touches, Garnett may have earned his way onto the field for even more reps, especially in light of Franklin getting banged up in tonight’s game. If he does, the freshman could be a breakout player down the stretch for the Bulls.
Also, there was a big man touchdown! Cole Skinner looked like a natural on his run, which was one of my favorite plays of the game.
The Bulls have great veterans at their skill positions, while also having the young talent ready to play in the case of an injury or change to the plan. This combination makes USF very dangerous in the American Conference.
Defensive Turnovers Swing the Game
Despite allowing over 400 yards of offense to North Texas, USF does not win this game without their defense. Point blank, period.
Defensive back Tavin Ward was everywhere, notching 12 solo tackles and 14 total tackles. He flew sideline-to-sideline, limiting the explosive plays of North Texas’ wideouts. He was also a monster in the run game, notching four defensive stops by himself. Jarvis Lee was not far behind, notching four tackles and three defensive stops. He also had a critical forced fumble early in the second half.
Ira Singleton was credited with four pressures, but it felt like he was chasing after Drew Mestemaker in the North Texas backfield all night. Traevon Mitchell also notched four pressures, including a sack, while Jacob Merrifield had a clutch fourth-down sack late in the game.
Along with these players, the four players who helped swing the game are the ones responsible for the turnovers.
Defensive back Jonas Duclona had one of the best plays of the night, making a twisting interception to help get the Bulls the ball back before the half. On top of playing great coverage the whole game, the pick was one of the main reasons USF even had a chance to tie the game at halftime.
Fred Gaskin also had a key interception for USF in this game. Despite being crushed by PFF as a coverage player, his pick was the key catalyst for the Bulls taking a two-score lead over North Texas.
Most importantly, though, was linebacker Jhalyn Shuler. The linebacker had a key interception early in the game, as he baited Mestemaker into throwing the ball and proceeded to make a great play on it. Thanks to that play, the Bulls were able to tie the game at seven in the first quarter, keeping it close.
In the second half, Shuler and Singleton hit the UNT quarterback on a blitz, which allowed Gaskin to snag the interception. And on the forced fumble from Lee, Shuler picked it up and strolled into the end zone. Even without his usually gaudy numbers, Shuler put his stamp on the game, arguably bending the UNT offense to his will enough times to allow the Bulls offense to settle in.
USF will need to start faster and much cleaner in some of its upcoming games. However, having a defense that can be an equalizer for offensive mistakes is a huge benefit. This complementary football, if executed the right way, can be unstoppable. As a result, USF can be very scary for the remainder of 2025.
USF vs. North Texas: Other Notes
USF needs to clean up the turnovers on offense, especially early in games. They are letting teams hang around in games, rather than simply putting them in the dirt. Against Florida Atlantic, Memphis, and beyond, the Bulls need to play clean football in the turnover category, at least for the most part.
UNT quarterback Drew Mestemaker is going to be very good. Despite his struggles tonight, he has all of the tools and skills to succeed as a player. His stock is only rising.
Shrine Bowl Prospects to Watch
Jhalyn Shuler, LB – USF
The linebacker did a little bit of everything tonight, which has been commonplace for him and Mac Harris. Shuler is not an overwhelming athlete. However, he hits hard, is a smart player, and knows how to make plays on a consistent basis. Shuler can provide a lot in the run game and a sneaky amount in the passing game. Testing numbers will be key for Shuler, but he could fit as an early-down rotational player, barring his testing, at the next level.
Byrum Brown, QB – USF
No, Brown is not a first-round quarterback. Not yet, at least. However, has all of the tools to play the position at a high level, has plenty of starting experience, and just turned 21 years old a week ago. Are NFL teams, famously known for taking shots on traits, are going to pass on Brown? By not being a projected first-round pick, a team will be more willing to develop the quarterback and allow him to grow into the role. A great franchise is going to land Brown and be absolutely thrilled in late April. And if the Bulls and Brown keeps improving, that is only going to be made more clear.
Looking Ahead
USF heads home for its next game, as they are set to welcome FAU to Tampa Bay next weekend.
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Brandyn Pokrass
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2023 with a Communications Degree, a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, and a minor in Broadcasting. Received an M.A. in Communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2024. Wrote for Jets Insider for two years, was previously a beat writer for Jets X-Factor, previously hosted a Knicks podcast for Let's Talk Knicks, and contributed to Inside the Iggles. Currently writes for Metsmerized Online, contributes to Badlands, and contributes video content to Couch Potato Sports Coverage. Avid movie watcher, gym goer, music listener, and overall sports fan.