Strength in Unity.

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Celebrating 15 Years of the Francois Era at USF
gousfbulls.com


Top 15 USF Players of All Time: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 - 10 | 11 - 15 | Honorable Mentions
Top 15 USF Seasons of All Time: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 - 10 | 11 - 15

Coming Soon

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Oklahoma's Nathan Woods wins Heisman Trophy, first since Ohio State's Archie Griffin to repeat
Jessica West -- SI.com

Oklahoma quarterback Nathan Woods capped off his impressive by winning the 2027 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night in New York City. He joined Ohio State's Archie Griffin as being the only player in history to win the award twice after winning it in 2025 as a redshirt sophomore.

Woods received 438 of the 776 potential first-place votes and 1,936 total points. USF's Jed White finished second, getting 170 first-place votes and 1,290 total points. While Georgia Tech's T.J. Johnson and Louisville's Avery Hunter finished third and fourth respectively with 813 and 384 points.

Woods threw for 3,613 yards along with 39 touchdowns and just three interceptions with a 77.2% completion percentage. His 208.7 QB rating is just 1.4 short of the NCAA record.

For most of the season, White was the front runner to win the Heisman after winning it last season. White's play continued to dip as the season went on, particularly as a passer and with turnovers, paving the way for Woods and his undefeated Sooners to make a stronger case. White won the Maxwell and Walter Camp while San Diego State's Kaleb Underwood won the Davey O'Brien Trophy, which is awarded to the nation's top quarterback.

No. 4 Oklahoma will play No. 7 Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans
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CFB Awards
Maxwell: QB Jed White (USF): 291 of 390, 3091 yards, 26 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 195 carries, 1302 yards, 26 touchdowns.
Walter Camp: QB Jed White (USF): 291 of 390, 3091 yards, 26 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 195 carries, 1302 yards, 26 touchdowns.
Bednarik: DE Robert Johnson (Michigan State): 84 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 2 forced fumble, fumble recovery.
Nagurski: DE Robert Johnson (Michigan State): 84 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 2 forced fumble, fumble recovery.
O'Brien: QB Kaleb Underwood (San Diego State): 308 of 557, 4512 yards, 45 touchdowns, 7 interceptions.
Walker: HB T.J. Johnson (Georgia Tech): 277 carries, 2057 yards, 23 touchdowns.
Biletnikoff: WR Jeremy Vincent (Kansas): 93 receptions, 1405 yards, 16 touchdowns.
Mackey: TE Wendell Joseph (San Diego State): 85 receptions, 1321 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Outland: C Tony Bell (Oklahoma): 7 pancakes, 1 sack allowed.
Rimington: C Tony Bell (Oklahoma): 7 pancakes, 1 sack allowed.
Lombardi: DE Robert Johnson (Michigan State): 84 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 2 forced fumble, fumble recovery.
Butkus: LB Shannon Williams (Michigan State): 69 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, forced fumble, 2 interceptions.
Thorpe: S Paul Williams (USF): 85 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, touchdown, forced fumble.
Groza: K Chaz Chavez (Baylor): 24 of 24 FG, 41/41 XP, 47 FG Lng
Guy: P Jeff Austin (Michigan State): 55 punts, 30.1 Yd Net, 22 downed inside the 20
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AP First Team All-Americans
QB Nathan Woods, Oklahoma (Sr)
HB T.J. Johnson, Georgia Tech (Sr)
HB Adam Vickers, Navy (Jr)
WR David Dennis, New Mexico State (Sr)
WR Anthony Thomas, San Diego State (Sr)
TE Wendell Joseph, San Diego State (Jr)
LT Nicholas Johnson, Alabama (Sr)
LT Joseph Tyson, Michigan State (Sr)
LG Garrett Johnson, UCLA (Sr)
RG Dennis Jefferson, Georgia Tech (Sr)
C Tony Bell, Oklahoma (Sr)
DE Kyle Swain, USF (Jr)
DE Robert Johnson, Michigan State (Sr)
DT Lawrence Terry, Louisville (Jr)
DT Sean Green, Alabama (Sr)
LB Joey Phillips, Michigan State (Fr)
LB Lionel Shaffer, Alabama (Sr)
LB Jamil Berg, Cincinnati (Jr)
CB Jonathan Mirvil, USF (Jr)
CB Blake Armstrong, Georgia Tech (Jr)
S Jay Jacobs, USF (Jr)
S Paul Williams, USF (So)
K Chaz Chavez, Baylor (So)
P Jeff Austin, Michigan State (Fr)

[Soapy]

Top 15 USF Players of Francois Era: Honorable Mentions
Charlie Flowers -- gousfbulls.com

When compiling this list, the bottom five of the top fifteen proved to be the toughest part. Much of the top five is solidified with an argument here and there about placement but when someone that was an All-American for each season he played at USF cannot crack the top fifteen, it goes to show just how tough coming up with that bottom five was.

Leading the best of the rest is safety Ray Thompson, who was a Freshman All-American, a two-time second seam All-American and a first team All-American. While dependable and a key piece of the 2024 team that won a national championship, Thompson's lack of big plays ultimately cost him a spot in the top fifteen with 28 tackles for loss, five interceptions and just eight pass breakups in three seasons.

A player that did have the counting numbers was CB Ben Lewis, who also just missed the list. Lewis set a school record in 2021 with nine interceptions but most of his damage was done that season and others in front of him that did crack the top fifteen were productive for several seasons. It's also hard to put Lewis ahead of other cornerbacks such Jason Garcia and Marcus Hines, who didn't have the counting numbers but were far better corners.

Garcia and Hines also didn't make the list although at one iteration of the list, they both did as they are some of the most talented players to ever play at USF. Rounding out the honorable mentions are offensive lineman Victor Tucker, quarterback Grant Oliver and tight end Vincent Everett.

Everett gets a bit of a positional bump as he is, perhaps by far, the team's best tight end ever. With 21 touchdowns and over 2,000 receiving yards, had Everett not missed most of his sophomore season he probably cracks the top fifteen and makes a strong case for the top ten if his sophomore season was anything like the three games that he played in where he averaged over 100 yards.

Tucker played both guard and tackle at USF and was All-Big XII at both and an All-American at tackle. He surrendered just ten sacks in four seasons and similar to Everett, an argument could be made that he's the team's best tackle of all time but other offensive linemen (hint, hint) are more deserving.

Oliver gets a bit of a pioneer bump as he was the team's first elite quarterback under head coach Malcolm Francois and led them to their first national championship. It's a different game now and Oliver's 50 touchdowns in a career pail in comparison to what Nick Williams or Jed White were able to do in just one season but it'd be remiss to talk about great Bulls and not at least mention Oliver.

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Top 15 USF Seasons of Francois Era: No. 15 - No. 11
Charlie Flowers -- gousfbulls.com

#15: 2013
Offensive Coordinator: Walt Wells [Pro - USF]
Defensive Coordinator: Chuck Bresnahan [4-3 D] -- Fired
Overall Record: 5-7
AAC Record: 4-5
Preseason National Rank: Unranked
Final National Rank: Unranked
Bowl Game: N/A
Result at UCF: L 39-28
All-Conference Selections: 4
All-American Selections: 2
Passing Leader: QB Bobby Eveld, Senior :: 167 of 244, 2045 yards, 9 touchdowns, 17 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB Marcus Shaw, Senior :: 211 carries, 1301 yards, 9 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: TE Sean Price, Sophomore :: 60 receptions, 770 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Dede Lattimore, RS Senior :: 85 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions.
Sack Leader: DE Aaron Lynch, RS Sophomore :: 39 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 12 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Joshua Brown, RS Senior :: 22 tackles, tackle for loss, 5 interceptions.

Does anything really need to be explained? The only losing season in Francois' tenure, the Bulls struggled on offense, specifically at quarterback and the defense was nothing to write home about, even with Aaron Lynch being one of the better edge rushers that season.

It could have been worse as USF was at one point 2-5 in the season before turning it around and falling six minutes short of being bowl eligible, allowing the Knights to score 22 points in the fourth quarter to beat them in the season finale.

#14: 2015
Offensive Coordinator: Marcel Smith [Pro - Tulane]
Defensive Coordinator: Marty English [3-4 D]
Overall Record: 10-4
AAC Record: 7-2, Champions
Preseason National Rank: Unranked
Final National Rank: #17
Bowl Game: Fighter Hunter Bowl :: Washington State Cougars (6-6, 4-5) :: L 41-38
Result at UCF: L 31-30
All-Conference Selections: 15
All-American Selections: 2
Passing Leader: QB Steven Bench, Senior :: 303 of 415, 3836 yards, 23 touchdowns, 20 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB Stafon McCray, Rs Sophomore :: 115 carries, 817 yards, 14 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR D'vario Montgomery, Senior :: 67 receptions, 1021 yards, 5 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Zack Bullock, Rs Senior :: 83 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, interception.
Sack Leader: DE Derrick Calloway, Rs Sophomore :: 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Reggie Wilkerson, Rs Sophomore :: 31 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions.
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama defeated Georgia Tech, 17-9.
Heisman Winner: HB Jeremy Hill, LSU :: 298 carries, 1894 yards, 19 touchdowns.

After winning twelve games the year before and having quarterback Steven Bench return for his senior season, the stage was set for the Bulls to perhaps be a BCS buster. Losses to Maryland and Navy in the first three weeks took a lot of that momentum away but a 56-21 win at Tallahassee helped right the ship and get the Bulls back on track to potentially make some noise come bowl season. They would drop a one-point loss to UCF when Francois chose to go for two instead of playing for overtime and that play ultimately defined Bench's legacy.

#13: 2018
Offensive Coordinator: Marcel Smith [Pro - Tulane]
Defensive Coordinator: Pete Rekstis [4-3 D]
Overall Record: 9-4
Big XII Record: 5-3
Preseason National Rank: #16
Final National Rank: Unranked
Bowl Game: Buffalo Wild Wings :: #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (8-5, 5-4) :: W 38-35
Result vs. UCF: W 30-26
All-Conference Selections: 9
All-American Selections: 2
Passing Leader: QB David Johnson, Rs Freshman :: 358 of 497, 4362 yards, 27 touchdowns, 18 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB David Ross, Sophomore :: 140 carries, 711 yards, 12 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR Zac White, Junior :: 80 receptions, 1183 yards, 6 touchdowns | WR Franklin Sapp, Junior :: 71 receptions, 1020 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: S Dan Johnson, Junior :: 75 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions | LB Shelton Richardson, Junior :: 75 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, interception.
Sack Leader: DE Gary Prince, Rs Senior :: 31 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Bradley Bentley, Sophomore :: 32 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions.

Even the most optimistic of fans had tempered expectations coming into the season with it being the program's first season in the Big XII and having to replace quarterback Grant Oliver. David Johnson's arm talent was evident throughout the season but his decision making, which would be exposed even more the next season, was erratic at times.

They started the season 1-2 before Johnson was named the full-time starter and he'd go on to throw for 4362 yards and 27 touchdowns, both records at the time. Back to back losses to Baylor and TCU ended all hopes of a return to the national championship game and the school's iconic Georgia Trio of receivers Franklin Sapp and Zac White along with defensive back Dan Johnson ended their careers in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

#12: 2014
Offensive Coordinator: Walt Wells [Pro - USF]
Defensive Coordinator: Marty English [3-4 D]
Overall Record: 12-2
AAC Record: 9-1, Champions
Preseason National Rank: Unranked
Final National Rank: #16
Bowl Game: GoDaddy.com Bowl :: Toledo Rockets (6-6, 6-3) :: W 42-24
Result vs. UCF: W 21-14
All-Conference Selections: 14
All-American Selections: 4
Passing Leader: QB Steven Bench, Junior :: 237 of 323 yards, 2097 yards, 15 touchdowns, 19 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB Michael Pierre, RS Senior :: 189 carries, 1337 yards, 21 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR D'vario Montgomery, Junior :: 59 receptions, 778 yards, touchdown.
Tackle Leader: LB Zack Bullock, Rs Junior :: 92 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions.
Sack Leader: OLB Aaron Lynch, Rs Junior :: 63 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks.
Interception Leader: LB Zack Bullock, Rs Junior :: 92 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions.

A solid argument could be made that this is the most important team and season of Francois' tenure at USF. Without the big bounce back in 2014, Francois might have never gotten the chance to build the eventual national championship winning squads that he did last season.

Marty English fixed the defense and Walt Wells doubled down on his run first approach to offense with Michael Pierre rushing for 21 touchdowns. The most impressive part about this season is the success they had despite Bench having four more interceptions than touchdowns and being one dimensional at times. There was still a talent shortage on the roster in 2014 but the coaching staff got the most out of it, which helped appeal recruits to USF.

#11: 2016
Offensive Coordinator: Marcel Smith [Pro - Tulane]
Defensive Coordinator: Marty English [3-4 D]
Overall Record: 11-3
AAC Record: 7-2, Champions
Preseason National Rank: Unranked
Final National Rank: #15
Bowl Game: Idaho Potato Bowl :: Miami University RedHawks (8-4, 6-3) :: L 48-41
Result vs. UCF: W 34-27
All-Conference Selections: 11
All-American Selections: 9
Passing Leader: QB Grant Oliver, Rs Sophomore :: 363 of 531, 4316 yards, 25 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, sacked 35 times.
Rushing Leader: HB Stafon McCray, Rs Junior :: 168 carries, 1115 yards, 9 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR Zac White, Freshman :: 59 receptions, 770 yards, 9 touchdowns | WR Franklin Sapp, Freshman :: 57 receptions, 867 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Nigel Harris, Rs Junior :: 87 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, interception.
Sack Leader: DE Derrick Calloway, Rs Junior :: 38 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 8 sacks | DT Deadrin Senat, Rs Junior :: 35 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Reggie Wilkerson, Rs Junior :: 44 tackles, tackle for loss, 6 interceptions.

An impressive season for a number of reasons, this season could be ranked higher but placing some of the Power 5 versions of the Bulls beneath this team doesn't bode well. The team lost a ton of talent in 2015, including their quarterback and were turning to a redshirt sophomore at quarterback with a brand new offensive coordinator. The reports out of camp were mild for Oliver who would only go on to throw for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Zac White and Franklin Sapp also introduced themselves to the nation, specifically White who led the team with nine touchdowns despite missing several games as did Sapp. This was the first push towards a more pass friendly offense for the Bulls as Wells had departed to Hawaii to be their head coach.

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Wells potentially out at Michigan, return to Bulls possible if Lashlee gone?
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

The University of Michigan is expected to relieve head coach Walt Wells of his duties, as first reported by ESPN.

Wells was most recently the offensive coordinator at USF for two seasons before being hired last season by the Wolverines to replace head coach Brady Hoke. The team went 3-9 this season and with a few sought after names on the market such as New Mexico State's P.J. Fleck, Old Dominion Dave Doeren and Northwestern's Mike Norvell, the program is apparently ready to call the Wells experiment a failure just one season in.

Wells' imminent firing could trigger some ripple effects that reach the doors of USF's football program. Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee is likely not to get interviewed for the Michigan job but whoever the coach ends up being, it's most likely going to be a G5 or lower P5 head coach who now leaves an opening at a lesser school where Lashlee could get an interview.

If Lashlee were to take the head coaching job somewhere else, USF and head coach Malcolm Francois would be wise to make a hard push to bring back Wells as he's a proven elite play caller although they run the risk of being stuck on an ever lasting carrousel of changing coordinators. Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox has already shut down rumors of him leaving for an head coaching job, stating that he won't be interviewing for any openings. Lashlee, while not required, has not said as much.

Lashlee has also been rumored to potential openings at Auburn and Arkansas as he coached at Auburn and is from Arkansas.

Another name to watch should Lashlee bolt is South Alabama offensive coordinator Calvin Magee. Magee played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the late 80s and shortly after a high school coaching career around the Tampa area, Calvin was a member of the University of South Florida's first coaching staff in 1996 where he remained until 2001 when he joined Rich Rodriguez's staff at West Virginia University. Magee followed Rodriguez to the University of Michigan in 2008, where he served as offensive coordinator until Rodriguez and his staff were fired after the 2010 season. Rodriguez is widely credited with innovating the spread option offense, which Magee managed at West Virginia and Michigan. This offense is used by thousands of high schools and other collegiate programs throughout the country. Magee was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2007, given to the top college assistant coach.

Magee's experienced with the spread option offense and knowledge of the Tampa area should make him a prime candidate as the Jaguars finished first in the Sun Belt with 33.8 points per game which is good for 25th in the nation and 6th amongst G5 schools.

Washington's Kevin Sumlin is another experience coordinator to watch as he does have head coaching experience, something Francois has traditionally sought after in coordinators. Sumlin's price tag, however, could keep the Bulls away.

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Top 15 USF Players of Francois Era: No. 15 - No. 11

No. 15: G Brian Brown (2017-2020)
Recruiting Profile: #116th ranked OG in 2016 | 6'0", 309lbs | Bonita Springs, FL | 2-star
Career Stats: 44 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed.
Games Started: 28
Record as Starter: 25-3
Record vs. UCF: 2-0
Conference Championships: 2 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 2-0
BCS Bowl Record: 2-0 (Sugar Bowl)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2020 2nd team All-Big 12

After redshirting his first season and spending the next two as the team's backup right guard, the former two-star offensive guard seemed destined to just be another faceless, nameless backup offensive linemen along a line of plenty before and after him. How does he end up on this list?

The Bulls offense, in no uncertain terms, ran through the left side of the offensive line in 2019 when head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. took over as play caller and went away from the pass heavy offenses of Marcel Smith and Justin Fuente. He did it in 2019 alongside Derrick Drew at left tackle who had played guard previously and paved the way for three ball carriers with over 400 yards rushing with two rushing for over 700 in David Ross and Michael Harrell. He did so without surrendering a single sack.

It's Brown's play in 2020 that gets him on this list as he once again the team's best offensive lineman and was just as dominant with a brand new left tackle in Victor Tucker who was making the transition from guard. This time around, USF had two rushers over 1,000 yards (Harrell, 1231 and Troy Henry, 1021) and two more over 700 yards (Thomas, 785 and Reynolds, 775). He surrendered just two sacks that season and was named 2nd-team All-Big 12.

While this may be a surprise to some, anyone that watch those two teams know they don't win two Sugar Bowls and two Big 12 championships without Brown whose physicality and 'nastiness' on the offensive line has yet to be matched.

No. 14: WR Franklin Sapp (2016-2018)
Recruiting Profile: 43rd ranked ATH in 2016 | 6'3", 186lbs | Dock Junction, GA | 4-star
Career Stats: 202 receptions, 3155 yards, 14 touchdowns.
Games Started: 38
Record as Starter: 30-8
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
Conference Championships: 2 (AAC)
Bowl Record: 1-2
BCS Bowl Record: 0-1 (National Championship)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2017 1st team All-AAC, 2016 Freshman All-American

The reason why the team's fastest player, typically on offense, wears the #4 is because of the originator Franklin Sapp. Sapp was a bit of a forgotten name during the recruitment process when in any other class, he would have been the crown jewel. The team signed two other higher ranked receivers in Jay Stevens and Corey Sharp and signed their first five-stars in Dan Johnson and Zac White, who would end up playing receiver.

After injuries slowed him down at the beginning of his career, Sapp would leave USF with the following records: career receiving yards, single season receptions and single season receiving yards. The counting stats alone don't do Sapp justice as he was and still is one of the most explosive players in AAC history, not just at USF, averaging nearly 15.5 yards per reception.

Some might argue that Sapp deserves to be even higher on the list but a lot of his records have since been broken and while he was impactful, other Bulls have a longer list of accolades.

No. 14: WR Zac White (2016-2018)
Recruiting Profile: 3rd ranked ATH in 2016 | 5'10", 218lbs | Jesup, GA | 5-star
Career Stats: 226 receptions, 3065 yards, 26 touchdowns.
Games Started: 35
Record as Starter: 28-7
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
Conference Championships: 2 (AAC)
Bowl Record: 1-2
BCS Bowl Record: 0-1 (National Championship)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2017 1st team All-AAC, 2016 2nd team All-AAC, 2016 Freshman All-American

Ties in list are for cowards but even the harshest critics will understand why White and Sapp are simply inseparable.

The bigger name when they got on campus, White was the star of the team from the moment he stepped foot on campus. He set a school record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season in his first season and would leave USF as the career leader in receptions and touchdowns as well as setting the single season record for most receptions in his sophomore season.

For both White and Sapp, as well as others on and not on the list, the fact that they played mostly in the AAC and not the Big 12 and/or the SEC does factor as to why they are not higher. Could White and Sapp have been just as good against Power 5 competition? Probably but there are other players that answered that question definitively.

No. 13: G Brian Smith (2020-2022)
Recruiting Profile: 1st ranked G in 2020 | 6'4", 309lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star
Career Stats: 53 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed.
Games Started: 42
Record as Starter: 39-3
Record vs. UCF: 2-1
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 3-0
BCS Bowl Record: 3-0 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2021 1st team All-Big 12, 2022 1st team All-Big 12

A day-one starter, Smith surrendered zero sacks as a true freshman and paved the way for a very good running attack in 2020 along with fellow guard Brian Brown. With Brown graduated, Smith emerged as the team's top OL in 2021, earning all-conference honors while surrendering just one sack that season and helping the Bulls have once again two 1,000-yard rushers on their way to a national championship.

With much of the offense depleted in 2022, USF had to rely almost exclusively on its running game with Troy Henry rushing for a school record 2,125 yards and won the Heisman, thanking his offensive line during his acceptance speech. Smith was the leader of that offensive line and arguably the team's best offensive linemen of all time.

No. 12: ILB Scott Stewart (2019-2021)
Recruiting Profile: 6th ranked LB in 2019 | 6'3", 246lbs | Key Largo, FL | 4-star
Career Stats: 262 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, 2 interceptions, 10 pass deflections.
Games Started: 42
Record as Starter: 39-3
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 3-0
BCS Bowl Record: 3-0 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2019 1st team All-Big 12, 2020 1st team All-Big 12, 2021 1st team All-Big 12, 2019 Freshman All-American, 2019 1st team All-American, 2020 1st team All-American, 2021 1st team All-American, 2020 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2021 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2021 Butkus Award recipient (best linebacker)

After being under Shelton Richardson's wing as a true freshman, the defense became Stewart's in 2020 and Manny Diaz was the perfect, aggressive defensive coordinator for Stewart to continue his tutelage.

Stewart mastered being a blitzing linebacker under Diaz, recording nine sacks his sophomore season along with 22 tackles for loss and taking home the Nagurski. He was a more traditional linebacker under Brent Venables but he had a career year in terms of tackles with 117 and showed his ability to be a sideline to sideline space eater and one of the better linebackers in Big XII history.

No. 11: S Edgar Thompson (2021-2023)
Recruiting Profile: 5th ranked S in 2021 | 6'0", 202lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star
Career Stats: 264 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 6 interceptions.
Games Started: 32
Record as Starter: 27-5
Record vs. UCF: 2-1
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 2-1
BCS Bowl Record: 2-1 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2021 1st team All-Big 12, 2022 1st team All-Big 12, 2023 1st team All-Big 12, 2021 Freshman All-American, 2021 1st team All-American, 2022 1st team All-American, 2023 1st team All-American, 2021 Thorpe Award recipient (best DB)

Maybe surprisingly one of the program's most accomplished players, Thompson's long list of accolades speak for themselves. If that wasn't impressive enough, he did it while playing for three different coordinators that all played a different defense.

No matter the scheme, Thompson was not only the team's ever so reliable safety, he also made plays on the other side of the football. His 50 tackles for losses in three seasons is an absurd clip for a safety as that's good enough for elite front seven players. He finished second on the team in tackles all three seasons he was there and won the Thorpe Award as a true freshman.

Thompson has done a lot of sliding up and down in the drafting of this list as a case can be made that he was a top five player. While all of those ahead of him might not have as many accolades, they do have comparable counting numbers and more memorable plays. Thompson being left outside of the top ten isn't an indictment of his skills but just how strong the top ten is.

[Soapy]

Top 15 USF Seasons of Francois Era: No. 10 - No. 6
Charlie Flowers -- gousfbulls.com

#10: 2027
Offensive Coordinator: Rhett Lashlee [Spread - Auburn]
Defensive Coordinator: Justin Wilcox [3-4 D]
Overall Record: 11-2
SEC Record: 8-2
Preseason National Rank: #2
Final National Rank: TBD (Currently #9)
Bowl Game: Citrus Bowl :: #16 Minnesota Gophers (9-4, 7-3)
Result vs. UCF: W 66-30
All-Conference Selections: 15
All-American Selections: 7
Passing Leader: QB Jed White, Junior :: 291 of 390, 3091 yards, 26 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, sacked 40 times.
Rushing Leader: QB Jed White, Junior :: 195 carries, 1302 yards, 26 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: TE Jean-Jacques Francois, Sophomore :: 74 receptions, 788 yards, 8 touchdowns | WR Corey Montgomery, Freshman :: 63 receptions, 872 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: S Paul Williams, Sophomore :: 85 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions.
Sack Leader: OLB B.J. Patton, Rs Sophomore :: 36 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 sacks | DE Kyle Swain, Rs Junior :: 35 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Jonathan Mirvil, Junior :: 39 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions.

The 2026 team was so good (hint, hint) that the 2027 team was almost doomed to feel like a let down and that it did. Even when the team was winning earlier this season, it was clear that while the defense was able to reload, the offense did not.

They found some elite, young talent in Dion Rogers who rushed for over 1,200 yards while Corey Montgomery and Jean-Jacques Francois both emerged as potential elite talents, the offense couldn't replace the amount of production it lost to the draft and graduation the year before.

The loss to Auburn was an ugly one and while losing to Alabama is nothing to hang your head about, it proved what many thought all along: the Bulls were too reliant on quarterback Jed White and the levees finally broke.

#9: 2022
Offensive Coordinator: Doc Holiday [Spread - Marshall]
Defensive Coordinator: Mike MacIntyre [3-4 D]
Overall Record: 12-2
Big XII Record: 8-1, Champions
Preseason National Rank: 8th
Final National Rank: 7th
Bowl Game: Sugar Bowl :: Ole Miss Rebels (9-5, 7-3) :: W 23-20
Result at UCF: L 26-21
All-Conference Selections: 19
All-American Selections: 9
Passing Leader: QB James Pittman, Rs Sophomore: 101 of 152, 1033 yards, 8 touchdowns, 12 interceptions | QB Mike McFarland, RS Freshman: 101 of 151, 1040 yards, 3 touchdowns, 9 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB Troy Henry, Junior: 286 carries, 2125 yards, 28 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR William Stone, Sophomore: 52 receptions, 682 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Nate Clark, Rs Junior: 98 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions.
Sack Leader: OLB Ryan Fletcher, Rs Senior: 38 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks.
Interception Leader: S Sam Peterson, Junior: 40 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions.

Sticking with the theme of teams that tried to follow up a national championship squad, the 2022 team could have been ranked higher if not for their loss to UCF in the regular season finale.

The offense was pretty much all Troy Henry who set all types of school records that season on his way to a Heisman trophy. Knowing what we know now about Mike McFarland, how does this season fare out if he never gets hurt? Does he get into the groove he got in when the team would win the national championship two seasons later or did McFarland just need that seasoning and essentially a second redshirt season?

A lot of what ifs about this season.

#8: 2023
Offensive Coordinator: Malcolm Francois Sr. [Spread - Auburn]
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Doeren [3-3-5 D]
Overall Record: 11-3
Big XII Record: 8-1, Champions
Preseason National Rank: NR
Final National Rank: 6th
Bowl Game: Sugar Bowl :: #3 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-2, 9-1) :: L 42-31
Result vs. UCF: W 42-34
All-Conference Selections: 17
All-American Selections: 11
Passing Leader: QB James Pittman, Rs Junior: 276 of 358, 3215 yards, 24 touchdowns, 13 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB Gerald Mitchell, Sophomore: 116 carries, 755 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR William Stone, Junior: 109 receptions, 1356 yards, 10 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Travis Hughes, Freshman: 131 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 5 interceptions.
Sack Leader: DE Stephen Hill, Rs Senior: 58 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 18 sacks.
Interception Leader: LB Travis Hughes, Freshman: 131 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 5 interceptions.

For the first time since 2017, USF entered the season unranked in the preseason AP poll. They had lost Troy Henry, who carried the offense in 2022 and quarterback was still an unknown. The cherry on top was the lost of both coordinators, forcing head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. to return as play caller.

The end result? A quarter away from a thirteen win season and the introduction of Travis Hughes and Dallas Gross to the world. Stephen Hill also recorded 18 sacks in Dave Doeren's 3-3-5 defense which while had a propensity to allow plenty of points from time to time, was able to generate a lot of big plays and one of the more exciting styles of defense in recent years at USF.

After losing the opener to USC, the Bulls would get upset by Texas Tech in the middle of the season in what was otherwise a mostly unblemished season that saw William Stone live up to his hype as the nation's top recruit with 21 total touchdowns and a school record 109 receptions.

#7: 2019
Offensive Coordinators: Marcel Smith (2 games, demoted) [Pro - Tulane] | Justin Fuente (2 games, resigned) [Spread - Memphis] | Malcolm Francois [Custom PB]
Defensive Coordinator: Pete Rekstis [4-3 D]
Overall Record: 12-2
Big XII Record: 8-1, Champions
Preseason National Rank: #15
Final National Rank: #4
Bowl Game: Sugar Bowl :: #3 Michigan Wolverines (9-4, 7-3) :: W 45-38
Result at UCF: W 59-21
All-Conference Selections: 14
All-American Selections: 4
Passing Leader: QB David Johnson, Rs Sophomore :: 216 of 310, 2915 yards, 17 touchdowns, 19 interceptions
Rushing Leader: HB David Ross, Junior :: 122 carries, 706 yards, 8 touchdowns | QB Michael Harrell, Freshman: 106 carries, 749 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR Mike Holmes, Sophomore :: 51 receptions, 956 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: OLB Shelton Richardson, Senior :: 81 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, interception.
Sack Leader: OLB Shelton Richardson, Senior :: 81 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, interception.
Interception Leader: CB Bradley Bentley, Junior :: 56 tackles, tackle for loss, 4 interceptions.

While a ton of talent would be developed from this team, it wasn't clear from the jump. The co-coordinator experiment with Marcel Smith and Justin Fuente just wasn't a success and after four games, Fuente resigned and Smith was stripped of his play calling duties. A home loss to Wisconsin -- the team's last home loss -- and a blowout at the hands of Oklahoma had the Bulls 2-2 before bringing in Michael Harrell to run a two-QB system with quarterback David Johnson.

They wouldn't lose for the rest of the season and earn the program's first ever Big 12 championship on the way and proved they belong in the Power 5 with a victory over #3 Michigan in the Sugar Bowl.

#6: 2017
Offensive Coordinator: Marcel Smith [Pro - Tulane]
Defensive Coordinator: Marty English [3-4 D] -- Boston College HC
Overall Record: 12-2
AAC Record: 9-0, Champions
Preseason National Rank: Unranked
Final National Rank: #2
Bowl Game: BCS National Championship :: #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 9-1) :: L 27-21
Result at UCF: W 35-28
All-Conference Selections: 19
All-American Selections: 5
Passing Leader: QB Grant Oliver, Rs Junior :: 334 of 464, 4288 yards, 24 touchdowns, 16 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB Leon Ward, Senior :: 176 carries, 1381 yards, 12 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR Zac White, Sophomore :: 87 receptions, 1112 yards, 11 touchdowns | WR Franklin Sapp, Sophomore :: 74 receptions, 1268 yards, 5 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: S Dan Johnson, Sophomore :: 118 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions.
Sack Leader: DE Eric Mayes, Rs Senior :: 34 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Antwan Shaw, Senior :: 31 tackles, 4 interceptions | CB Brandon Simmons, Junior :: 24 tackles, 4 interceptions.

If 2019 answered the question of if the Bulls could compete at a high level as a Power 5 program, the 2017 season is what prompted that question to be asked.

Their 24-point victory in Oklahoma early in the season helped right the ship after an embarrassing 52-13 loss on the road against #21 Stanford to open the season. It took USF a while to shake off that stink as they weren't ranked in the top 25 until they were 6-1. It was the Bulls win over 9th ranked UCF that helped propel them into the BCS national championship picture, jumping from 10th to 3rd that weekend after top-ranked Alabama had also lost that weekend.

Both #1 Louisville and #2 Penn State would lose on championship weekend, opening the door for an USF vs. Alabama matchup after both had won their respective conferences. The selection of the Bulls was widely criticized as some felt two-loss Ohio State and USC were more deserving given the Bulls' strength of schedule. While they went on to lose in the national championship game, they played Alabama tough and proved to be no slouches.

[Soapy]

Top 15 USF Players of Francois Era: No. 10 - No. 6

No. 10: LB Shelton Richardson (2016-2019)
Recruiting Profile: #19th ranked OLB in 2016 | 6'1", 220lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star
Career Stats: 262 tackles, 79 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles.
Games Started: 51
Record as Starter: 41-10
Record vs. UCF: 4-0
Conference Championships: 2 (2x AAC, Big XII)
Bowl Record: 2-1
BCS Bowl Record: 1-0 (Sugar Bowl)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2016 2nd team All-AAC, 2017 2nd team All-AAC, 2018 1st team All-Big XII, 2019 1st team All-Big XII, 2016 Freshman All-American, 2018 1st team All-American, 2019 1st team All-American, 2018 Butkus Award recipient (best LB), 2019 Butkus Award recipient , 2019 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2019 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player)

One of the more versatile Bulls defensive players in the Malcolm Francois era, Richardson's journey at USF is an incredible one. A bit undersized for the team's 3-4 scheme as an edge player, Richardson played well above his listed measurables as a true freshman, recording 18 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss and 4 sacks as a sophomore.

When Pete Rekstis took over the defense and switched to a 3-4, Richardson went form a one-dimensional pass rusher on the edge to the ultimate swiss army knife. He won the Butkus award in 2018 as he tallied up 22 tackles for loss in an injury shortened season, proving he could not only play a different position but also do it in the Big 12.

Richardson chose to come back for his senior season in 2019 and it was one for the ages, sweeping the defensive awards with Rekstis using Richardson as a blitzer more often, putting an unbelievable stat line of 81 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and five forced fumbles.

No. 9: WR William Stone (2021-2023)
Recruiting Profile: 1st ranked ATH in 2021 | 6'0", 206lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star
Career Stats: 233 receptions, 3196 yards, 28 touchdowns.
Games Started: 32
Record as Starter: 27-5
Record vs. UCF: 2-1
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 2-1
BCS Bowl Record: 2-1 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2021 1st team All-Big XII, 2023 1st team All-Big XII, 2021 2nd team All-American, 2023 1st team All-American

The only other player beside Zac White in school history to lead the team in receptions each season he was at USF, Stone's 2023 season is one of the better ones in school history. If not for his sophomore season where he dealt with shoddy quarterback play, Stone could have put even more distance between himself and every other Bull.

Stone is currently the team's record holder in: career receptions, career receiving yards, career receiving touchdowns, single-season receptions, single-season receiving yards, single season-receiving touchdowns, single game receptions and single game receiving touchdowns. It doesn't need to belabored just how good Stone was and he did it without a true elite quarterback outside of his freshman season.

No. 8: S Jake Lott (2023-2025)
Recruiting Profile: 21st ranked ATH in 2023 | 6'1", 205lbs | Dyersburg, TN | 4-star
Career Stats: 186 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, 13 pass breakups.
Games Started: 41
Record as Starter: 35-6
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
Conference Championships: 2 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 2-1
BCS Bowl Record: 2-1 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2023 1st team All-Big XII, 2023 Freshman All-American, 2023 1st team All-American, 2024 1st team All-American, 2025 1st team All-American, 2025 Thorpe Award recipient (best DB).

Like a lot of the players on this list, Lott was a day one starter who was a first team All-American as a true freshman. Was he truly deserving? That's debatable as he was prone to one or two too many coverage gaffs a game and wasn't the most physical of safeties.

He improved as a sophomore, earning All-American honors again but his real masterpiece was his eight interception junior season. While the number of interceptions were impressive, the fashion they occurred was what stood out. They were acrobatic in nature and often times clutch plays that helped the Bulls win ten games that season.

No. 7: DB Dan Johnson (2016-2018)
Recruiting Profile: 1st ranked S in 2016 | 6'0", 204lbs | Alpharetta, GA | 5-star
Career Stats: 210 tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 6 interceptions, touchdown, 11 pass breakups, 5 forced fumbles.
Games Started: 32
Record as Starter: 26-6
Record vs. UCF: 2-0
Conference Championships: 1 (AAC)
Bowl Record: 1-0
BCS Bowl Record: 0-1 (National Championship)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2017 1st team All-AAC, 2018 1st team All-Big XII, 2016 Freshman All-American, 2017 1st team All-American, 2018 1st team All-American, 2017 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2017 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2017 Thorpe Award recipient (best DB), 2018 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2018 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2018 Thorpe Award recipient (best DB).

The standard by which all defensive back since at USF have been judged by, you don't just get to wear the No. 2 jersey after Dan Johnson.

Johnson missed most of his freshman season with an injury but was still named a freshman All-American. He moved from free safety to strong safety during his sophomore season, his play took off from there as he was able to play closer to the line of scrimmage. He led the team with 105 tackles and won the Bednarik, Nagurski and Thorpe as a sophomore before turning around and doing the same as a junior.

If Johnson's 2017 season had taken place in the Big XII, he might be higher on this list but the level of competition has to be considered.

No. 6: DE Chuck Sanders (2019-2021)
Recruiting Profile: 20th ranked ATH in 2019 | 6'2", 237lbs | Crystal Lake, IL | 4-star
Career Stats: 101 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 43 sacks, 3 pass deflections.
Games Started: 42
Record as Starter: 39-3
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 3-0
BCS Bowl Record: 3-0 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2019 2nd team All-Big XII, 2020 1st team All-Big XII, 2021 1st team All-Big XII, 2019 Freshman All-American, 2020 1st team All-American, 2021 1st team All-American, 2021 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2021 Lombardi Award recipient (best DL).

It was tough slotting Lott, Johnson and Sanders with the order changing a few different times but when a player falls just two sacks shy of an NCAA record, you got to give them the edge.

Sanders came to USF having never played the position but you could never tell, racking up nine sacks as a true freshman. He was a first team All-American in 2020 with twelve sacks but what got him up to #6 on this list over the likes of Scott Stewart, Shelton Richardson, Dan Johnson and Jake Lott was his junior season.

Sanders set a school record in 2021 with 22 sacks that season, making him the school's all-time career sack leader in the process as well. He took over games that season and without him, they don't win that national championship.

[Soapy]

USF Citrus Bowl Practices Notes
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

For the first time since 2018 when they played in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, the South Florida Bulls won't be playing in a BCS bowl. For quarterback Jed White, it's the first game in his career that is essentially meaningless.

Don't tell that to the players and coaches as they head into their final week of preparation for their January 1st matchup against #16 Minnesota. While both programs had higher aspirations when they began the season, the Bulls have a shot at their eight 12+ win season in eleven seasons while Minnesota and the Gophers, a once doormat of a football program, is going for their fourth 10+ win season in six seasons.

In speaking to those around the program, morale and the tempo in practices were a bit off in the first few days but they've seen positive improvements in the final weeks as players now understand that a lot of next year's spots might be won in the coming days and in Orlando.

• WR James Harper creating distance from the pack
  One of the reasons why White struggled in 2027 throwing the football was because his receivers weren't very good.
  
  Corey Montgomery got off to a hot start and had a very good season for a true freshman but his play was more spotty towards the end of the season, which is expected from a 199-pound receiver that is getting used to the grind of a college football season.
  
  The big problem was on the outside where Ryan Wagner, after dealing with drops earlier in the year, just never recovered despite being the team's primary X receiver and at Z, it was a carousel of just average at best play from the trio of Derrick Byrd, Andrew Rivas and James Harper.
  
  Harper showed the most flashes in the spring as well and while Byrd had slightly better stats during the season (four more receptions, 32 more yards, one more touchdown) Harper's touchdown in the UCF and the Alabama game showed why he's been such a puzzling prospect as he should be able to win those jump balls more often as he did in those games.
  
  He's carried the momentum from those two games into the bowl practices and has been one of the standouts.
  -
• QB White, DE Kyle Swain will play in bowl game
  Quarterback Jed White and defensive end Kyle Swain have all participated in all but two bowl practices which were scheduled "veteran days" according to head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. Both are draft eligible with White already declaring for the draft before the regular season finale while Swain on the other hand as kept things close to the vest.
  
  While White is expected to play in the bowl game, he's been splitting first team reps with quarterback Jay Jackson in the public portions of practice. White did injure his shoulder in the conference championship game but did return fairly quickly with no noticeable discomfort for the rest of the game.
  
  Swain followed up an impressive redshirt sophomore campaign with an even greater one this year, recording 20 tackles for loss and being tied for most sacks on the team with ten. He did it while playing an entirely new position along the defensive line, going from an edge player to a five-technique defensive end and had to change his body in order to do so.
  
  Most mock drafts have Swain as a day-two, potentially day three prospect as he's a bit of tweener stuck between an interior defensive linemen and an edge rusher. He made impactful plays throughout the year but disappeared at times, something scouts and GMs might stray away from given that Swain doesn't have elite physical traits.
  -
• SEC coaches get the ax, opening potential landings for USF's Rhett Lashlee
  Auburn's Jesse Minter, Arkansas' Steve Ellis and Georgia's Bryan Harsin have all been fired by their respective schools, creating at least three head coach openings in the conference with Rod English's status in Miami still being up in the air.
  
  Minter was at Auburn for ten seasons, going 102-55 with a 13-1 season just three seasons ago but since then has gone 6-7 and 5-7. The firing came as a bit of a surprise as did Ellis' who had only been at Arkansas for a season, inheriting a 5-7 team and going 3-9 this year.
  
  Harsin's firing was not as the former Boise State head coach failed to get it going in Athens and since his 11-3 season his second year, the Bulldogs have yet to win more than seven games.
  
  Former USF coordinator and current Boston College head Manny Diaz interviewed for the Georgia job on Monday and despite a 63-73 career record, including going 4-8 in his first season with the Eagles, is considered the favorite to land the job.
  
  Current USF offensive coordinator Lashlee is expected to be interviewed by both Auburn and Arkansas as he coached at Auburn and played at Arkansas.

[Soapy]

Top 15 USF Seasons of Francois Era: No. 5 - No. 1
Charlie Flowers -- gousfbulls.com

#5: 2025
Offensive Coordinator: Walt Wells [Pro - USF]
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Doeren [3-3-5 D]
Overall Record: 10-3
Preseason National Rank: #13
Final National Rank: #6
Bowl Game: Orange Bowl :: #4 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2, 10-0) :: W 63-27
Result vs. UCF: W 52-9
All-Conference Selections: 18
All-American Selections: 6
Passing Leader: QB Nick Williams, Rs Sophomore: 328 of 501, 4416 yards, 38 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, sacked 36 times.
Rushing Leader: QB Jed White, Freshman: 74 carries, 765 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR Jason Barbour, Sophomore: 68 receptions, 1012 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Travis Hughes, Junior: 104 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 4 interceptions.
Sack Leader: DE Dale Bolen, Rs Senior: 35 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8 sacks.
Interception Leader: S Jake Lott, Junior: 62 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions.

After probably the most chaotic offseason in school history, USF found themselves back to competing as an Independent while they awaited their entry into the SEC. A fairly convincing could be made that had they played a typical Big XII schedule, they might have won it all this season and repeated as national champions.

With a murderer's row of a schedule, the Bulls were slated to play seven preseason ranked opponents. They still managed to go 10-3 with QB Nick Williams being injured in the loss to Miami, losing by seven points to a very good Alabama team in Tuscaloosa and if not for a snow storm in South Bend, USF could have found themselves back into the national championship picture as they were ranked sixth when they lost to 3rd ranked Notre Dame.

This team would give all of the higher ranked teams a run for their money, even the championship squads.

#4: 2020
Offensive Coordinator: Doc Holiday [Spread - Marshall]
Defensive Coordinator: Manny Diaz [4-3 D]
Overall Record: 13-1
Big XII Record: 8-1, Champions
Preseason National Rank: #23
Final National Rank: #4
Bowl Game: Sugar Bowl :: #6 Michigan State Spartans (9-4, 6-3) :: W 19-10
Result vs. USF: W 28-20
All-Conference Selections: 17
All-American Selections: 9
Passing Leader: QB Michael Harrell, Sophomore: 233 of 307, 2483 yards, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 12 sacks allowed.
Rushing Leader: QB Michael Harrell, Sophomore: 169 carries, 1231 yards, 13 touchdowns | HB Troy Henry, Freshman: 156 carries, 1021 yards, 12 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: HB Troy Henry, Freshman: 59 receptions, 485 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: ILB Scott Stewart, Sophomore: 71 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, interception.
Sack Leader: DE Chuck Sanders, Sophomore: 31 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Michael Bush, Senior: 48 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions.

The highest ranked non-championship teams, USF held a solid claim to be in the national championship game. They started the season ranked so low that they had an uphill battle the entire season as even their blowout win over #2 Florida State in the opener only moved them up a few spots in the polls.

It wasn't until they were 5-0 that USF cracked the top ten, getting as high as #2 before they fell to Texas in excruciating fashion with the Bulls opting to go for the win on the two-point conversion with 14 seconds left in the game and failing. While they remained in the top five, laboring performances against unranked Baylor and Central Florida hurt their case while Michigan and Alabama beat #4 Wisconsin and #18 Tennessee respectively to punch their ticket in.

If USF doesn't stub their toe against Texas, one-loss Alabama doesn't get in and the Bulls with their loaded defense matched favorable against Michigan.

#3: 2021
Offensive Coordinator: Doc Holiday [Spread - Marshall]
Defensive Coordinator: Brent Venables [4-3 D]
Overall Record: 14-0
Big XII Record: 9-0, Champions
Preseason National Rank: #7
Final National Rank: #1
Bowl Game: BCS National Championship :: #2 Southern Methodist Mustangs (12-1, 9-0) :: W 49-7
Result at UCF: W 42-3
All-Conference Selections: 20
All-American Selections: 13
Passing Leader: QB Michael Harrell, Junior :: 261 of 346, 2944 yards, 31 touchdowns, 16 interceptions.
Rushing Leader: HB James Thomas, Junior: 193 carries, 1073 yards, 12 touchdowns | HB Troy Henry, Sophomore: 166 carries, 1164 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR William Stone, Freshman: 72 receptions, 1158 yards, 16 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Scott Stewart, Junior: 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks.
Sack Leader: DE Chuck Sanders, Junior: 49 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 22 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Jason Garcia, Freshman: 66 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, sack, 3 interceptions | CB Marcus Hines, Junior: 22 tackles, 3 interceptions.

They can't all be first or second so the 2024 national championship team will have to accept their 3rd ranking although third and second are a bit interchangeable.

Maybe the most talented team in school history in terms of all over the roster, the 2021 team came into the season with a chip on their shoulder. They had a solid claim to belonging in the BCS National Championship Game the year before.

The Michael Harrell for Heisman campaign was in full effect and while it felt short, it felt short because of an elbow injury and just how good the entire team was with two different 1,000-yard rushers in James Thomas and Troy Henry while William Stone was setting records as a freshman. Three of the team's best corners in Jason Garcia, Marcus Hines and Ben Lewis were on the roster along with LB Scott Stewart and Chuck Sanders, two of the team's best players ever.

While many complained about the Bulls lack of a strong schedule due to a down year in the Big XII that season, USF's impressive three-point win over Oklahoma in the Big XII championship game put those clams to rest.

Why 3rd? USF played an overmatched SMU team in the national championship game and blew them out. #1 and #2 faced tougher competition in season as well as in their final test.

#2: 2024
Offensive Coordinator: Malcolm Francois Sr. [Spread - Auburn]
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Doeren [3-3-5 D]
Overall Record: 14-0
Big XII Record: 10-0
Preseason National Rank: #15
Final National Rank: #1
Bowl Game: BCS National Championship :: #2 Minnesota Gophers (13-1, 10-0) :: W 45-42
Result at UCF: W 27-10
All-Conference Selections: 22
All-American Selections: 13
Passing Leader: QB Mike McFarland, Rs Junior: 229 of 309, 3042 yards, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, sacked 39 times.
Rushing Leader: HB David Fuller, Sophomore: 204 carries, 1331 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: WR Darius Downs, Freshman: 69 receptions, 1132 yards, 7 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: LB Dallas Gross, Sophomore: 137 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions.
Sack Leader: DE Dale Bolen, Rs Junior: 33 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 7 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Ray Hill, Junior: 47 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions.
BCS National Championship Game: USF defeat Minnesota, 45-42
Heisman Winner: QB Clifton McFarland (Texas): 249 of 350, 3680 yards, 137 carries, 540 yards, 50 total touchdowns.

The 2024 team snuck up on the nation as while many had learned their lessons on not underestimating the Bulls, they were expected to be a very good but not great team. James Pittman was a limited quarterback that was a feel good story but had tapped out on his potential. The team had also their top two receivers in William Stone and Andrew Vincent so it was a gap year to get the newcomers onboard and reload.

After throwing four interceptions in the season opener against Alabama, Pittman's slot as the team's starter loosed a little bit albeit the win. An injury in the Boise State game allowed for Mike McFarland, a former top recruit that had struggled, to fill in and lead the team to a win. They rotated for a few games before McFarland threw five touchdowns against West Virginia and ran away with the job.

Any questions about the Bulls or McFarland were quieted in the team's 56-27 win over #6 Texas, which put the Bulls in the driver seat on the road to the national championship game.

The cherry on top for the season would be the team's miraculous comeback win over Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game, coming back from a 28-point deficit to punch their ticket into the national championship where they would beat Minnesota on a last second field goal.

#1: 2026
Offensive Coordinator: Walt Wells [Pro - USF] -- Michigan
Defensive Coordinator: Manny Diaz [4-3 D] -- Boston College
Overall Record: 14-0
SEC Record: 10-0
Preseason National Rank: #3
Final National Rank: #1
Bowl Game: BCS National Championship :: #2 Navy Midshipmen (12-1, 9-0) :: W 45-33
Result at UCF: W 56-49
All-Conference Selections: 22
All-American Selections: 12
Passing Leader: QB Jed White, Sophomore: 349 of 474, 4583 yards, 46 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, sacked 32 times.
Rushing Leader: QB Jed White, Sophomore: 207 carries, 1292 yards, 23 touchdowns.
Receiving Leader: TE Vincent Everett, Junior: 82 receptions, 1194 yards, 14 touchdowns.
Tackle Leader: S Paul Williams, Freshman: 109 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions.
Sack Leader: DE Kyle Swain, Rs Sophomore: 27 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks.
Interception Leader: CB Corey Johnson, Senior: 51 tackles, tackle for loss, 6 interceptions.

Is it too soon to put last year's team as the best team of all time? Maybe but they are heads and shoulder the most dominant team in school history.

They weren't as talented across the board as other teams but they still finished with 22 all-conference selections and doing it in the SEC just adds a bit more sauce to it. They didn't sneak up on anyone, they didn't have a chip on their shoulder, they were just a really great team.

Was the defense spotty at times? Yes. Were they perhaps too reliant on a single player on offense in Jed White at times? Yes. Did they average over fifty points per game? Yes. End of discussion.

They had wins over #1 Notre Dame to open the season, #12 Ole Miss in Oxford, #9 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, #3 Minnesota on the road, 31 point win over #9 Tennessee and rallied back from down 24 to beat Miami all while dealing with a variety of injuries.

The 2026 team is not only just USF's best team of all time, it belongs in the conversation with other great college football teams.