The 2025 Bulls' Historic Run
Before the bowl game, the 2025 USF football team was ranked as the 23rd‑best team in the country by SP+, a testament to a season that exceeded preseason expectations. The Bulls opened the year with a statement victory, upsetting then‑#13 Florida in the Swamp and securing their first win over the Gators in program history.
Quarterback Byrum Brown turned in a rare 3,000‑yard passing season while also rushing for 1,000 yards, a dual‑threat performance that anchored the offense. On the other side of the ball, defensive standout Mac Harris posted 103 tackles, six sacks and four forced turnovers, earning the defensive MVP honor.
The Bulls' high‑scoring attack was on full display, as they recorded at least 48 points on seven different occasions. Despite the offensive firepower, the team fell just short of a conference title, dropping two critical games to Memphis and Navy by three points each.
A Turnaround Worth Remembering
The 2015 USF season began with a 1‑3 start, but a mid‑year overhaul sparked a seven‑game winning streak that propelled the Bulls into a near‑conference title game appearance. The resurgence was driven by the Gulf Coast Offense, orchestrated by quarterback Quinton Flowers and running back Marlon Mack.
Rodney Adams, D’Ernest Johnson and other playmakers added depth to a unit that turned early setbacks into a compelling comeback narrative. The 2015 Bulls proved that a slow start need not define a season, echoing the resilience later displayed by the 2025 squad.