Season Opener Preview
The USF Cougars are set to open their season on Thursday when they host Black Hills State, a matchup that marks the beginning of a campaign that could define their playoff aspirations.
Quarterback Tate Schafer will take the snap for the first time this year, bringing a blend of experience and family tradition to the position.
Schafer’s older brother Brody Schafer is a high school standout, and his father has spent years coaching at various levels, a background that Schafer says shapes his preparation and confidence.
Coach Jim Glogowski, who has built a reputation for developing offensive schemes, will rely on Schafer’s arm strength and decision‑making to anchor the team’s attack.
Wide receiver Hank Brown, Jr. returns as the team’s top target, and his chemistry with Schafer has been a focal point of preseason practices.
The Cougars entered last season with a narrow miss at the playoffs, and the near‑miss has left the squad hungry for a deeper run this fall.
Fans in Sioux Falls and across the state are eager to see whether the new quarterback can translate his family’s coaching pedigree into on‑field success.
With a talented group of receivers led by Brown and a defense that showed improvement in the offseason, USF hopes to translate early momentum into a winning record.