TAMPA, FL — In the midst of a media frenzy, many questions and eyes have been focused on South Florida Football and the endless possibilities for the future of the program. Nevertheless, USF has had a rollercoaster of a 2025 regular season, but their main focus for this matchup was going out on a high note. They were able to do just that, and more. The Bulls showed out on a senior night, breaking records and continuing to raise the standard in Tampa with a 52-3 dominating victory over the Rice Owls in Week 14. With that said, let’s recap the key moments from this USF vs. Rice 2025 matchup.
USF vs. Rice 2025 Recap: Bulls Dominate in Regular Season Finale
One to Remember
Around 28,000 fans flooded Raymond James Stadium for USF’s final home game of the 2025 regular season. The senior class of about 30 players were honored prior to kickoff, in a very memorable moment surrounded by their families, coaches, teammates, and fans.
Starting out on an emotional note, it was clear that this team was playing for each other. They did not seem distracted in the slightest, which was a concern for some. The defense was solid throughout the night, consistently pressuring the quarterback and often forcing three-and-outs.
For Rice, the Owls’ charge was led heavily by wide receiver Aaron Turner and running back Tyvonn Byars. As the offense ran the ball a ton throughout this game, the Bulls’ defense often halted any explosive plays and progression through the line.
As for USF, just about every aspect of the offense really seemed to click. Running back Nykahi Davenport was the primary handoff and a huge contributor to the rushing attack. Quarterback Byrum Brown frequented wide receivers Mudia Reuben and Jeremiah Koger, both big playmakers that contributed to USF continuing to drive downfield. Keshaun Singleton also had a very impressive performance with six receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Record-setters
Linebacker Mac Harris displayed his dominance once again and surpassed 100 tackles for the season. Harris also tied former USF running back Kelley Joiner for most games played in program history, with 58 total.
Quarterback Byrum Brown showcased all of his abilities in both passing and running the football. In doing so, the quarterback added another impressive stat to his resume. Brown is now the 12th player in FBS history with 3000 yards passing and 1000 yards rushing in a season. All in all, it was a very special season and performance for the quarterback.
With this win, USF secured their fourth ever undefeated season at home, and the first since 2002. This is yet another example of the growth of this program over the years and what fans are hoping will continue on ever further in the seasons to come.
Quote of the Day
“Super grateful to our seniors for the way that they’ve remained focused throughout this week and for them to be able to go out like this, undefeated at home, first time since ’02. It’s a credit to our seniors, it’s a credit to their buy in, it’s a credit to them buying into a vision three years ago, that they didn’t have to.” – HC Alex Golesh
What’s next for USF?
The Bulls wrap up the 2025 regular season with a 9-3 record and are 6-2 against conference opponents. While the future for USF is still very unclear, the team is certainly headed to a bowl game in the postseason and will stay focused solely on their very next challenge ahead, one day at a time.
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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.