After a heartbreaking loss to Navy, South Florida’s hopes of College Football Playoff contention and a run at the American Conference Championship are now seemingly out of the picture. Nevertheless, there’s still a few games of the 2025 season that remain to be played. In much need of a rebound game and a chance to get rid of this sour taste, USF will finish out the regular season schedule with two American Conference matchups. First up on their agenda is a trip to UAB to take on the Blazers. With all of that being said, let’s dive right into this 2025 college football preview.
USF Bulls vs. UAB Blazers 2025 College Football Preview
In a very tight-knit American Conference, the competition is especially fierce this year. With South Florida a little shaken up and not the best tract record with away games, UAB will look to capitalize and fully utilize their home-field advantage. The Blazers pulled off a huge upset against Memphis in Week 8, will they be able to do the same against the Bulls?
Matchup History and Excerpts
Dating back to 2003, there is a long-standing history between these two teams with the series currently tied 2-2. UAB’s latest win came with a score of 56-35 at home in the 2023 season, and USF’s closer 35-25 victory occurred last season in Tampa.
UAB is currently standing at 12th place in the American, holding an overall record of 3-7, and are 1-5 in conference play. Following their Week 12 loss, USF has dropped to fifth place in the American Conference, with a record of 7-3 and are 4-2 against conference opponents. The Blazers are entering this matchup on a three-game losing streak after their matchups against UConn, Rice, and North Texas.
At this point in the season, a conference game win can shake up the standings as both South Florida and UAB will aim to come out on top of this one.
Keys, Players, and Predictions
Key Players for South Florida
Quarterback Byrum Brown continues to not only be a dominant force in the passing game, but also atop of the list as USF’s leading rusher. Brown has recorded 841 rushing yards, nearly double the Bulls’ leading running back Nykahi Davenport with 425.
Wide receiver Keshaun Singleton had five receptions for 86 yards against Navy, including several impressive catches, one of which directly in the corner of the end zone. The Singelton-Brown connection has remained strong, as has another go-to for Brown in Jeremiah Koger. After his performance last week, the freshman is sitting at second behind Singleton for total receiving yards, and has proven himself to be a reliable option for Byrum.
While the defense has been fairly consistent and explosive throughout this season, the unit didn’t fare very well against Navy’s offense last week. Mac Harris sits atop the standings with a total of 90 tackles and six sacks so far this season. In the secondary, safety Fred Gaskin has emerged and ensured his presence has been felt against opposing offenses. Senior defensive tackle Traevon Mitchell also had a breakout performance totaling seven tackles against Navy, 1 TFL, and 0.5 sacks. For his best performance of the season so far, Mitchell found himself earning a spot on the PFF Week 12 Team Of The Week.
Key Players for UAB
Senior Quarterback Jalen Kitna is leading the charge for the Blazers with just over 2000 passing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. UAB’s receiving core is led by sophomore Iverson Hooks with 57 receptions for 735 yards and six touchdowns. Kitna will frequent wide receivers Brandon Hawkins Jr., and Corri Milliner as well.
The rushing attack is held down by senior running back Jevon Jackson with 751 yards on 128 carries. Additionally Solomon Beebe has been a go-to option in both the pass and run games.
Senior linebacker Devin Hightower has anchored the defense, leading with 70 total tackles. Defensive tackle Eamon Smalls is another asset on the line to assist in slowing down USF’s rushing attack, while safeties AJ Brown and Jeremiah Vessel will aim to hold things down in the secondary.
2025 Preview: Keys to Victory for USF
Play fast, start strong
As we know, the Bulls run a very fast-paced offense. While it has been beneficial, it’s also hindered them at times. By design, the tempo is meant to wear out opposing defenses. However, when not executed properly, it can end up causing disaster upon themselves. With quick snaps, complete awareness, and clean playing, the Bulls may be able to find themselves striking first and maintaining momentum in a positive direction.
Defensive reset
The defense is in need of a major rebound performance, and this game is their very next opportunity to do so.
Stick to your process, but adjust accordingly
As USF goes back on the road this week, it is important to take all of the additional aspects of traveling to away games into consideration. While being pioneers in sticking to their process and thriving off of it, not being on home turf can sometimes throw some unexpected wrenches into your game plan. This can be as simple as an extra thirty minute nap or a few more pre-game snacks in order to keep themselves feeling the most prepared possible to go out and play their most impactful football.
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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.