The South Florida Bulls are looking to close out the 2025 regular season on a high note in a post-Thanksgiving matchup at Raymond James Stadium to end the regular season. USF showed out in Week 13 against UAB last week. And while the future of the team may be in question, they are still hoping to bring it all full circle. While this season has flown by it’s still far from over, and the Bulls have already gone on a historic and momentous run throughout this rollercoaster that it’s been. Flipping the page to this chapter is an American Conference matchup against Rice. With all of that said, let’s dive right into this 2025 game preview.
USF Bulls vs. Rice Owls: 2025 College Football Preview
Rice’s 2024 regular season finale ended with a show-stopping win against USF, while the Bulls found themselves on a long and disheartening flight back to Tampa to take that loss before preparing for a bowl game. Nevertheless, that all went down in Houston. This time around, USF will have home-field advantage and hope for a better outcome under the lights.
Matchup History and Excerpts
This will mark the third consecutive meeting for the two with the first ever clash in 2023. The series is currently tied 1-1, as the Bulls took the first one at home by a score of 42-29, before falling on the road last season 28-35.
Rice is currently standing at 11th place in the American, holding a 5-6 record and are 2-5 in conference play. South Florida is now in fourth place in the rankings, tied with East Carolina. The Bulls are 8-3 overall and are 5-2 against American Conference opponents.
As the season winds down, there are still endless possibilities, and everything is up for grabs. Yet, USF will be looking to improve their record and put on a suitable performance with another solid win. Rice, on the other hand, has demonstrated resilience week by week. Securing this victory may put them in line for a bowl game.
Keys, Players, and Predictions
Key Players for South Florida
Quarterback Byrum Brown has sustained his reign and continues to lead the Bulls efficiently. In this game, Brown has the potential to surpass 3000 passing yards, and 1000 rushing yards in a season, making him just the 12th FBS player in history to do so.
Wide receiver Mudia Reuben showcased his talent in his best game of the season against UAB. Reuben posted five receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying himself as a reliable target for Brown and the Bulls. With the way he flies downhill and executes within this offensive unit, Keshaun Singleton remains a go-to option as well. Tight end Wyatt Sullivan has also continued prove his impact on the field with every rep.
Kicker Nico Gramatica is the firepower behind the Bulls’ special teams unit, and putting out a Gramatica field goal attempt is rarely ever out of the question.
Linebackers Mac Harris and Jhalyn Shuler are currently on the cusp of surpassing 100 tackles each for the season. Harris is currently sitting with 95, and Shuler has 88. Day in and day out, the two have been the dynamic duo anchoring the Bulls’ defense. In the secondary, cornerback De’Shawn Rucker is fourth in tackles with 51, and has consistently been flying to the football all season long.
Key Players for Rice
Leading the charge for the Owls is quarterback Chase Jenkins. On the season, Jenkins has 986 passing yards for nine touchdowns, with just two interceptions. Jenkins is also second on the team in rushing yards with 497.
Wide receivers Drayden Dickmann and Aaron Turner are both common targets across the field. Running back Quinton Jackson is the leading rusher with 808 yards on 162 carries and six touchdowns this season. Rice has an explosive rushing attack and will likely continue testing the Bulls’ defense throughout this matchup.
The Owls’ defensive unit is led by linebackers Andrew Awe, Ty Morris, and safety Marcus Williams in the secondary. Awe is first on the team in total tackles with 85.
2025 Preview: Keys to Victory for USF
Play clean football
The faulty, preventable penalties have been somewhat of a concern throughout the course of this season but were on total display last week against UAB. At the end of the day, as these compile throughout the game it can cost opportunities and give up scores, leading to momentum swings that are not good for USF. Playing clean football to the best of their ability will allow the Bulls to make the most out of each of their possessions.
Take it all in
For the 2025 regular season, this will be the final home game at Raymond James, along with it being senior night. There are about 30 seniors on the team that will be recognized. This game will be especially meaningful for them. ‘Playing for each other’ has been such an important mantra throughout this program and what the members of this team have continued to uphold and express. Being surrounded by a hometown crowd will make it extra special to go out on a high note.
Be explosive, not reckless
This mainly pertains to the offense. The explosive plays can be an absolute game changer but only when there are no unnecessary risks involved. Maintaining efficiency as much as possible is 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.