Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 65th
Total Offense: 84th
Rushing Offense: 72nd
Passing Offense: 79th
Total Defense: 30th
Rushing Defense: 61st
Passing Defense: 31st
Turnover Differential: 4th
Team Schedule
vs. #19 North Carolina: L 38-10
vs. #18 Ole Miss: L 31-24
at #11 Florida: L 55-52 OT
vs. Miami: W 24-10
vs. #22 Georgia: W 48-7
at Mississippi State: W 38-22
vs. #9 Alabama: L 28-9
Volunteers Complete the Impossible, Upset Bulls at Home
Down eight points with 1:49 left in the third quarter following a safety, the tension was palpable in Raymond James Stadium. All seemed right when Corey Montgomery got behind the defense for a 43-yard gain. The magic of Raymond James was once again going to prevail and the South Florida Bulls would rally back and win the game.
The Volunteers of the University of Tennessee had different ideas.
The Vols defense intercepted Jay Jackson twice in the fourth quarter and made just enough plays on offense to snap the Bulls 57-game home winning streak, a NCAA record, with their 25-22 victory on Saturday night.
The Bulls hadn't lost at home since September 7th, 2019 in a 35-26 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers where quarterback David Johnson threw three interceptions. One of the co-offensive coordinators of that game was Marcel Smith, who was demoted two games later before leaving USF that offseason and in his fourth season at Tennessee, Smith gets the biggest win of his head coaching career in what has been a disappointing season so far for the Volunteers.
After the long gain by Montgomery, he limped to the sidelines with an injury and would not return for the rest of the game. On third and goal, Jackson threw a jump ball to James Harper which was intercepted.
USF's defense was able to force a three and out but just three plays into the next possession, Jackson would be intercepted once more, giving Tennessee the ball back with their eight point lead in tact and 5:47 left in the game.
Tennessee was unable to put the game away completely, settling for a field goal which set the stage of Harper's 64-yard touchdown grab to make it interesting again following a two-point conversion that made it a three point game with 3:15 remaining.
Sticking with their running game, the Vols were able to pick up two first downs before finally putting with 22 seconds left in the game. Two drops by Bobby Arnold and Jeremiah McCullough, both from the slot were Montgomery would have been, ultimately ended all hopes of a miraculous comeback.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] J. Francois, 3 Yd pass from J. Jackson (5:23)
[TENN] C. Burton, 10 Yd pass from R. Nugent (3:53)
[TENN] T. Richardson, 6 Yd pass from R. Nugent (0:50)
Quarter 2
[TEN] C. Cason, 38 Yd FG (2:43)
Quarter 3
[TENN] C. Cason, 23 Yd FG (4:01)
[USF] J. Harper, 75 Yd pass from J. Jackson (3:50)
[TENN] Team Safety (1:44)
Quarter 4
[TENN] C. Cason, 39 Yd FG (3:51)
[USF] J. Harper, 64 Yd pass from J. Jackson -- 2pt (3:14)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #2 South Florida Bulls
QB Jay Jackson: 18 of 30, 324 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, sacked 4 times, 9 carries, -3 yards.
HB Dion Rogers: 16 carries, 53 yards.
WR James Harper: 5 receptions, 178 yards, 2 touchdowns.
WR Corey Montgomery: 3 receptions, 95 yards.
ILB Marcus Rhoden: 9 tackles.
S Paul Williams: 8 tackles, interception.
it really adds to the dynasty seeing these upset losses, especially this far in
I thought Auburn would be one but Corey Montgomery came through. Once he left with the injury, I knew we were toast. Definitely adds to potential storylines
Week 10 Top Stories
1. Tennessee hands the #2 Bulls their first setback of 2028.
2. The shocker of the week is #9 Alabama falling to SEC rival LSU.
3. No other game was bigger than Notre Dame's 35-21 win over rival Navy.
4. Ohio State stays unbeaten with a 35-28 win vs. conference rival Maryland.
5. Oregon passes a major test against the #6 Cardinal.
6. #5 UCLA can't keep up with surprising Colorado.
7. Hill and Iowa knock off Big Ten opponent Penn State 24-21.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 10 SEC Results
TEN 25 - USF 22 | MSST 48 - USF 28 | AUB 45 - ARK 28 | LSU 28 - ALA 21
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 11 SEC Schedule
#6 USF (7-1, 5-1) at Miami (5-3, 3-3)
#21 Tennessee (4-4, 4-3) at #18 Florida State (5-3, 3-2)
Auburn (7-2, 4-2) at #22 Georgia (5-3, 4-3)
#19 Alabama (7-3, 4-3) at Mississippi State (4-5, 2-4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 11 Notable Games
USC (6-3, 5-3) at #24 LSU (5-3, 3-3)
#11 Michigan State (6-2, 4-1) at #2 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0)
#21 Tennessee (4-4, 4-3) at #18 Florida State (5-3, 3-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEC Conference Standings East
1. Florida, 8-1, 6-1
2. USF, 7-1, 5-1
3. Florida State, 5-3, 3-2
4. Tennessee, 4-4, 4-3
5. Georgia, 5-3, 4-3
6. Miami, 5-3, 3-3
7. Kentucky, 3-7, 2-5 West
1. Auburn, 7-2, 4-2
2. Ole Miss, 6-3, 4-3
3. Alabama, 7-3, 4-3
4. LSU, 5-3, 3-3
5. Mississippi State, 4-5, 2-4
6. Arkansas, 2-7, 1-6
7. Vanderbilt, 2-7, 1-7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCS Rankings
1. Oregon, 8-0
2. Ohio State, 8-0
3. Iowa, 8-0
4. Notre Dame, 6-2
5. Fresno State, 8-0
6. USF, 7-1
7. Florida, 8-1
8. Stanford, 6-2
9. Minnesota, 6-2
10. Louisville, 7-1
11. Navy, 6-1
12. Michigan State, 6-2
13. Georgia Tech, 6-2
14. UCLA, 6-2
15. Ole Miss, 6-3
16. Penn State, 6-2
17. North Carolina, 8-2
18. Clemson, 6-2
19. Georgia, 5-3
20. Tennessee, 4-4
21. Florida State, 5-3
22. Alabama, 7-3
23. Pittsburgh, 7-1
24. Miami, 5-3
25. Wisconsin, 5-3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Marcus Vinson (Michigan State): 21 of 34, 380 yards, 15 carries, 58 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
DT Ryan Johnson (San Jose State): 6 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery.
-------
QB Kenneth Wilson (Georgia): 18 of 30, 269 yards, 12 carries, 53 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
CB Dustin Fulton (Auburn): 3 tackles, 3 interceptions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Steven Russell [ATH #1]: 6'2", 206lbs | Harrison, MI | 5-star | University of Alabama
#5 Erik Foster [ATH #3]: 6'0", 232lbs | Lakewood, CA | 5-star | University of Southern California
#8 Phil Harvey [ATH #5]: 6'6", 259lbs | Boardman, OH | 5-star | University of Alabama
#10 Dorian Sanchez [ATH #6]: 5'11", 192lbs | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 5-star | University of Colorado
#14 Louis Dukes [ATH #9]: 6'4", 210lbs | Owasso, OK | 5-star | University of South Florida
#15 Jerry Barnes [ATH #10]: 5'10", 191lbs | Milpitas, CA | 5-star | University of Southern California
#16 Josh McNeal [S #1]: 6'1", 209lbs | Birmingham, AL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#17 Curtis McCollum [QB #1]: 6'1", 212lbs | Temple, TX | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#20 Jonathan Ashley [ATH #11]: 6'1", 108lbs | Clinton, OK | 5-star | University of Miami
#23 Michael Bowser [ATH #13]: 6'6", 268lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#26 Anthony Montgomery [HB #3]: 6'1", 207lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#27 Jesse Davis [ATH #14]: 5'11", 188lbs | Pinehurst, NC | 5-star | Georgia Tech University
#28 Daniel Moore [C #1]: 6'3", 296lbs | Warner Robins, GA | 5-star | University of South Florida
#31 Victor Leslie [ATH #15]: 6'5", 228lbs | West Seneca, NY | 5-star | Michigan State University
#32 Clayton Leak [T #1]: 6'6", 285lbs | Raceland, LA | 5-star | Ohio State University
#34 Andrew Jackson [C #2]: 6'1", 261lbs | Helena, AL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#37 Travis Lewis [WR #5]: 6'4", 189lbs | Oak Forest, IL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#38 Graham Taylor [ILB #1]: 6'2", 244lbs | Draper, UT | 5-star | Brigham Young University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#23 Michael Bowser [ATH #13]: 6'6", 268lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#26 Anthony Montgomery [HB #3]: 6'1", 207lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#70 Ryan Richwalski [ATH #27]: 6'1", 185lbs | Miami Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#75 David Daniel [ATH #28]: 6'2", 221lbs | Tallahassee, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#80 Jeff McDaniel [WR #11]: 6'2", 209lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#82 Andrew Peterson [HB #8]: 6'0", 206lbs | Winter Park, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#121 Curtis Carter [ILB #11]: 5'11", 223lbs | Hallandale, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#152 David Young [ATH #35]: 6'0", 185lbs | Zephyrhills, FL | 4-star | University of Illinois
#162 Chuck Strickland [ATH #37]: 6'0", 202lbs | Bayonet Point, FL | 4-star | University of Minnesota
#173 Damarcus Schroeder [ATH #38]: 6'3", 203lbs | Key Largo, FL | 4-star | Florida Atlantic University
#189 Mike Mitchell [DE #18]: 6'2", 253lbs | Westchester, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#208 Dan Moore [DE #22]: 6'5", 249lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#263 Bryce Thompson [ATH #46]: 6'3", 231lbs | Fairview Shores, FL | 4-star | Florida Atlantic University
#269 Jason Hill [TE #10]: 6'5", 227lbs | Lake Worth, FL | 4-star | Florida International University
#277 Spencer Anderson [HB #29]: 5'11", 211lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | Naval Academy
#294 Brandon Lewis [CB #14]: 6'0", 188lbs | Palm Harbor, FL | 4-star | Notre Dame University
Recruiting Class in Review: Bulls landed elite talent in 2025 class but where does the rest of the class rank?
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Anytime you're able to land a Heisman winner and a perennial All-American, you're happy with a recruiting class, especially one that helped the team in a national championship. However, USF's 2025 recruiting class left a lot to be desired.
When it was all said and done, how does this class grade out? The grading criteria is as follows: 1 star for non-contributor, 2 star for depth player, 3 star for contributor, 4 star for impact starter, 5 star for a star player.
2025 USF Bulls Recruiting Class
WR/DB Jay Jacobs [ATH #1]: 6'3", 185lbs | Norwalk, CA | 5-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 340 Bench Press, 240 Squat | USF, Washington, UNLV
Career Stats » 177 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, sack, 9 interceptions, touchdown, 14 pass deflections, forced fumble.
Analysis » A starter as a true freshman, Jacobs roamed the back of USF's secondary for three seasons and did it at an extremely high level, continuing the tradition of elite safeties at the University of South Florida.
Grade » 5-star
QB Jed White [QB #6]: 6'5", 239lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press, 345 Squat | USF, Georgia Tech, Florida State
Career Stats » 672 of 907, 8001 yards, 77 touchdowns, 33 interceptions, 482 carries, 3391 yards, 61 touchdowns, 10 fumbles.
Analysis » Arguably the greatest quarterback and offensive player in school history, White contributed as a true freshman in the role of a wildcat quarterback. It didn't take long for fans to see the potential and the next season, he won the Heisman and almost doubled back as a junior, finishing 2nd in voting.
Grade » 5-star
OLB/DE Jim Horner [DE #11]: 6'1", 240lbs | Druid Hills, GA | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 510 Squat | USF, Akron
Career Stats » 10 tackles.
Analysis » While Horner's character issues and concerns from high school never flared up at USF, neither did his production. He's having his best season this year on special teams with ten tackles after failing to get on the field his first three seasons, including a redshirt season.
Grade » 1-star
TE Tariq Smith [TE #9]: 6'8", 267lbs | North Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press, 270 Squat | USF, Florida, Auburn, Miami, Florida State
Career Stats » 70 receptions, 800 yards, 9 TD at USF | 48 receptions, 722 yards, 11 TD at Florida
Analysis » Smith had a solid freshman season, splashing onto the scene as Vincent Everett dealt with an injury. Everett's return and Jean-Jacques Francois' arrival would relegate him to a blocking tight end before he transferred out this spring. In his first season at Florida, Smith is lighting the world on fire and a favorite to win the Mackey. The Bulls hit it out of the park with evaluation, not so much with managing him.
Grade » 3-star
FB Nick Thompson [TE #12]: 6'1", 221lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.86 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press, 255 Squat | USF, UCF
Career Stats » 3 carries, 7 yards, 5 receptions, 14 yards.
Analysis » The Bulls always liked him as a blocking tight end instead of a dynamic one but even the mildest of expectations would have been let down with Thompson's production at the college level.
Grade » 1-star
DE Mike Atkins [DE #22]: 6'5", 237lbs | Delray Beach, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press, 620 Squat | USF, Texas
Career Stats » No stats at USF | 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks at UAB
Analysis » Another transfer from the class, Atkins lasted just one season at USF before transferring to UAB where he had a monster redshirt sophomore season but injuries have slowed him down this year and kept him off the field. He figures to be one of the better G5 defensive players next season.
Grade » 1-star
CB Pierre Francois [CB #27]: 5'9", 187lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press, 255 Squat | USF, Ole Miss
Career Stats » 176 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 10 interceptions, 2 TDs, 22 PBU.
Analysis » It wasn't that long ago that fans were arguing on message boards if Francois was a 'good take' as many wondered about his size and lack of elite athleticism. He's been one of the better defensive backs in the SEC for the past three seasons at both nickel as a sophomore and on the outside for the last two years.
Grade » 4-star
CB Jonathan Mirvil [CB #35]: 6'2", 166lbs | Orlando, FL | 3-star | 4.42 40-yd dash, 210 Bench Press, 260 Squat | USF, UCF
Career Stats » 67 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions, 9 PBU.
Analysis » An electric ball hawk, Mirvil splashed onto the scene last season with six interceptions after being picked on as a sophomore. He's still liable for the occasional coverage gaff but certainly one of the team's best players.
Grade » 4-star
NT E.J. Jones [DT #62]: 6'3", 301lbs | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 3-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 520 Squat | USF, Miami, South Carolina
Career Stats » 6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss sack.
Analysis » A career backup that has shown flashes this season at nose tackle. He'll be the favorite to start at nose next season.
Grade » 2-star
ILB Kenny Frye [OLB #38]: 6'3", 209lbs | Whitehall, PA (IMG) | 3-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 365 Bench Press, 555 Squat | USF, USC
Career Stats » 27 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Analysis » Frye's production this season gets him that second star after being a non-factor his first two seasons. He's up to nearly 240 pounds and should shine next season as he's been their best run defender at inside linebacker.
Grade » 2-star
HB Ronnie Smith [HB #64]: 6'3", 216lbs | La Marque, TX | 3-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press, 290 Squat | USF, Navy, Syracuse
Career Stats » 61 carries, 288 yards, touchdown.
Analysis » After showing some potential as a redshirt freshman with 202 yards on the ground that year, Smith carried the ball just six times last season and just ten times this season. He'll likely end his career at USF as a career backup as Pookie Harrell leapfrogs him on the depth chart.
Grade » 2-star
WR Bradley Wilkinson [WR #114]: 6'0", 185lbs | Pembroke Pines, FL | 3-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 275 Bench Press, 265 Squat | USF, FIU, SMU
Career Stats » No stats at USF | 16 receptions, 323 yards, 5 touchdowns at South Alabama
Analysis » Similar to Atkins, Wilkinson jumped ship after just one season but unlike Atkins, he hasn't set the world on fire at his next stop.
Grade » 1-star
G/T Chris Simpson [G #59]: 6'3", 308lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.84-yd dash, 465 Bench Press, 595 Squat | USF, FIU, Marshall, UCF
Career Stats » 20 pancakes, 20 sacks allowed.
Analysis » Has Simpson been the most reliable OL? No but he's a fourth-year starter and he's gotten better each season, even making the move to right tackle as a senior. He'll likely get All-SEC considerations this season.
Grade » 4-star
S Ralph Gray [S #28]: 6'0", 199lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press, 310 Squat | USF, UCF
Career Stats » 25 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdowns.
Analysis » Gray played a lot as a junior, recording 22 tackles with two pick sixes but outside of that, he's been a special teams guy.
Grade » 2-star
C Jason Harrington [C #32]: 6'1", 304lbs | Tampa, FL | 5.14 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 535 Squat | USF, Minnesota, Texas
Career Stats » No stats.
Analysis » USF made a big push to get Harrington towards the end of the cycle but it was all for naught as he lost the starting competition to sophomore Nick Matthews this spring.
Grade » 1-star
T Bryan McDonald [T #71]: 6'6", 313lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.92 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press, 595 Squat | USF, South Carolina, Florida State
Career Stats » No stats.
Analysis » Like Harrington, this was the season that he was supposed to compete for a starting job but transfers James King and Andrew Smart ruined those plans.
Grade » 1-star
Superlative Awards Most Important Signing: Whenever you land the nation's top recruit, it's a big deal and that was the case with Jacobs.
Most Productive Signing: Easy answer here with White.
Biggest Bust of the Class: Pick your poison. Horner gets the nod as he's the third highest ranked player from this class and contributed almost nothing on the field at a position that the Bulls have had openings at.
Most Untapped Potential: Seeing what Smith is doing at Florida should make fans reconsider if playing Jean-Jacques Francois over him was the right decision after all.
Biggest Steal of the Class: Mirvil and Francois split these honors as they were similarly ranked and both ended up being All-SEC caliber players.
Biggest Lost of the Class: Minnesota's George Ostrander (90 ovr) hasn't put it altogether with the Gophers but with the team's need for a dynamic outside receiver, Ostrander could have been next in line at a position the Bulls haven't been able to replace since Darius Downs and Jason Barbour left.
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 16th
Total Offense: 28th
Rushing Offense: 25th
Passing Offense: 60th
Total Defense: 16th
Rushing Defense: 14th
Passing Defense: 36th
Turnover Differential: 32nd
Team Schedule
vs. Mississippi State: W 52-3
vs. Purdue: W 35-28
at #22 Georgia: W 59-35
at #21 Tennessee: L 24-10
at Arkansas: L 35-32
vs. #18 Florida State: W 31-24
vs. #7 Florida: L 38-21
vs. Georgia State: W 41-17
USF Bulls Looks Polished in a 29-12 Win vs. Miami Hurricanes
USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. preached through his team that the season wasn't over and there was plenty of football left to play following their first home loss in nearly a cade last week.
It was only right that his son Pierre Francois would intercept Miami quarterback Joey Ross twice in the last six minutes of the game, once on the two-point conversion to tie the game the game and the pick-six to seal the team's 29-12 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Miami hung tough with the Bulls, intercepting Jay Jackson three times to hold their offense to just fourteen points entering the fourth. They had their offensive struggles too, not getting into the endzone until the 5:47 mark in the fourth quarter.
After a few stops by the Bulls defense at the goal line, Antwuan Burnette was able to break through on fourth and goal, spinning his way out of a Paul Williams tackle and diving into the endzone. Miami chose to go for the tie but Ross was intercepted, keeping the Bulls lead at 14-12.
They would extend their lead with a touchdown on the ensuing drive and a pick-six on the Hurricanes next offensive drive.
