Strength in Unity.
Strength in Unity.
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Strength in Unity.
its the champions division for a reason
Strength in Unity.
The Bullpen: USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. finally said the quiet part out loud
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
When healthy, USF quarterback Rashad Woodard is arguably one of college football's best and most electric players. The problem with that statement is the caveat regarding Woodard's health is no longer a caveat but a certainty as through four games, Woodard has been injured in two of them, most recently in the collapse against Virginia Tech last week.
With the bye week, Woodard is likely to be healthy enough to play when USF returns to the field but USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. did broach a difficult subject regarding Woodard's health and his prospects going forward.
"You don't want to penalize a guy for getting hurt," Francois Sr. said on his weekly radio appearance, "But durability is an attribute, you can't ignore it. Chris [Price] has gone a good job this season of coming into tough situations and trying to make the best of it but when you spend all week with Rashad [Woodard] as QB1, game plan for that and then he gets hurt, it's a tough spot to keep putting the kid. At some point, you know, being able to stay healthy and on the field is a requirement to be a starter at this level and hopefully we're able to protect [Woodard] and keep him upright."
While Francois Sr. did his best to dance around it, the message was clear that a potential switch to Price as the team's starting quarterback could be on the horizon. Even with the two losses, USF is still in the playoff picture as Stanford, Virginia Tech, Alabama and Ohio State all have at least one loss.
The November 11th matchup against Georgia Tech will be a big one so if the Bulls can run the table until then with a favorable schedule coming up -- Miami, Purdue, Minnesota, and at Michigan -- they'll be in prime position to compete for a top four finish in the Champions Division and a playoff berth. It might just as good of a time as any to make the switch to Price, let him go through the growing pains so he's ready for that trip to Atlanta to play the Yellow Jackets.
‣ Freshman receiver Ryan Murray will miss 'significant time' with chest injury
USF receiver Malcolm Francois Jr. confirmed earlier reports that five-star true freshman Ryan Murray tore his pectoral muscle against Virginia Tech and according to the co-offensive coordinator, will miss significant time.
The injury is expected to sideline Murray for at least a month with Francois Jr. adding that there will be an additional reacclimating period for Murray.
"It's like getting off the bus," Francois Jr. told the media, "It keeps going, you sometimes have to wait for it to come back around or take off running and try to catch it again. It's always a tough situation when a young player gets hurt early in the season, miss a significant amount of time and then tries to gel back into the office. [Murray] is a smart kid and he's definitely someone we want to be a big part of the offense but other guys have to step up while he's out and not just be waiting for him."
Murray was fourth on the team with 5 receptions for 44 yards as a co-starter in the slot with Eddie Shaw, another five-star prospect. Shaw is second on the team with nine receptions for 205 yards and a touchdown.
Shaw's backup could potentially be Joshua Butler, who has primarily played outside receiver this season but has the ability to play inside having played it as a freshman last year. Butler caught 14 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, missing most of the season with an injury.
‣ Freshman LB Oliver Colvin heading in the right direction for his return
According to USF defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Trai Martinez, freshman linebacker Oliver Colvin was a limited participant in the freshmen and reserve scrimmage on Sunday and was a full participant in what Francois Sr. described as a light practice on Tuesday during the team's bye week.
"He's trending towards returning coming out of the bye," Martinez added, "He's a good player and definitely brings a boost of energy to the field when he's out there so we'll work him back into the rotation once he's cleared and go from there."
Colvin got off to a strong start with four tackles and a tackle for loss as a starter against Southern Miss at outside linebacker before straining his quadricep. In his absence, Richard Smith has excelled with nine tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. It'll be interesting to see if Colvin returns as a full-time starter or what the rotation looks like at outside backer with Smith, Colvin and senior Joel Espinosa.
Strength in Unity.
Edgewater defensive back Courtney Jones verbally commits to the University of South Florida
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Courtney Jones, the nation's 7th ranked free safety prospect this cycle, has committed to the University of South Florida over Florida State, Florida and Auburn.
The Orlando area prospect was part of the impressive list of recruits that were on campus this past weekend to watch USF lose a heartbreaker to Virginia Tech and is the third recruit from that weekend to commit to USF, joining four-star offensive linemen Mike Miller and Tim Hill.
Standing in at six-foot-three and 183 pounds, Jones is a well put together athlete that has a frame that could see him get up to the near 200-pound mark. He's a physical player that can play near the line of scrimmage and also comfortable enough in coverage to be deployed as a high safety which is where he mostly plays for Edgewater.
Jones is a former running back and it shows in his game as he does a great job of anticipating a ball carrier's next move and is rarely out of position. A high jumper in high school, Jones is a plus-athlete who could very well be competing for a starting spot by his second year at USF. While he is ranked lower than fellow defensive back commit Sean Hart, the coaching staff view them as similar prospects in terms of talent level with Hart being the faster player while Jones is the more natural defensive back.
2044 USF Recruiting Class
QB Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
G Mike Miller [G #2]: 6'4", 290lbs | Olney, MD [IMG] | 4-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 670 Squat Max
TE Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
OLB Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
T Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DB Sean Hart [ATH #39]: 6'0", 185lbs | Northbrook, IL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
S Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
WR Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | USF, Florida, LSU, Northwestern
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | USF, Stanford
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Minnesota, Army
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
OLB Paul Mason [OLB #3]: 6'5", 211lbs | Laurel, MS | 4-star | USF, Alabama
DT Dan James [DT #8]: 6'5", 280lbs | Monte Vista, CO | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Troy, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | USF, Mississippi State
WR Will Madison [WR #22]: 6'3", 185lbs | Stillwater, OK | 4-star | USF, USC, Navy, Michigan State
WR Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF, LSU
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | USF, Army
OLB Ryan Jones [OLB #19]: 6'5", 239lbs | Fairfax, VA | 4-star | USF, Rutgers
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Akron, Navy, Kansas, Rutgers
Strength in Unity.
Week 6 Top Stories
1. Rutgers notches a conference win against Virginia behind the arm of Brown.
2. Stanford walks away with a conference victory against #6 Ohio State.
3. Tuscaloosa is buzzing following the huge 38-21 win over #3 Georgia Tech.
4. Who would've predicted that Michigan would do the unthinkable, beating #2 Virginia Tech?
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Week 6 Champions Division Results
MINN 27 - LSU 13 | ALA 38 - GT 21 | STAN 38 - tOSU 21 | MICH 38 - VT 35
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Week 7 Champions Division Schedule
#9 Miami (4-0, 3-0) at #10 USF (2-2, 1-2)
Purdue (2-1, 0-0) at #13 Virginia Tech (4-2, 3-2)
#1 Alabama (5-1, 4-1) at #3 Stanford (4-1, 4-1)
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Week 7 Notable Games
#15 Louisville (4-0, 1-0) at Clemson (3-1, 1-0)
Florida State (4-2, 3-2) at #7 Fresno State (5-0, 2-0)
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Players of the Week
QB Mark Bell (Arkansas): W 54-38 at Auburn - 24 of 37, 334 yards, 29 carries, 109 yards, 6 total touchdowns
LB Youdlain Blair (Buffalo): W 38-36 at Western Michigan - 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, forced fumble, interception
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QB Andrew Jones (Stanford): W 38-21 vs. Ohio State - 21 of 28, 237 yards, 22 carries, 119 yards, 4 total touchdowns
CB Brian Golden (Minnesota): W 27-13 at LSU - 3 tackles, 2 interceptions
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Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#4 Jeffrey Coleman [WR #1]: 6'0", 187lbs | Escondido, CA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#17 Frank Goode [ATH #9]: 6'1", 200lbs | Jollyville, TX | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#22 Jason Barnes [DE #2]: 6'2", 252lbs | Balch Springs, TX [IMG] | 5-star | Ohio State University
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Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#42 Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#81 Blake Wright [ATH #24]: 5'10", 205lbs | Oakland Park, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#98 Chris Wesley [WR #16]: 6'2", 175lbs | Fort Myers, FL | 4-star | Virginia Tech University
#131 Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#142 Steven Engel [G #10]: 6'3", 296lbs | Mulberry, FL [IMG] | 4-star | Virginia Tech University
#148 Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#193 Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#248 Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
Strength in Unity.
Week 7 Preview: vs. #9 Miami Hurricanes
Record: 4-0, 3-0 Rising Division
Head Coach: Doug Nussmeier (28-15 at Miami, 4th year, 184-142)
Offensive Coordinator: Eric Tate (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: Rashad Smith (4-3 D)
Team Leaders
Passing: Kyle Cummings (695 yards, 6 TD, INT, 132.1 rating)
Rushing: Brandon Woodard (457 yards, 7.0 ypc, 5 TD)
Receiving: Matt Johnson (21 receptions, 277 yards, 2 TD)
Defense: Terrence Tucker (14 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.0 sack, 2 INT)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 13th
Total Offense: 17th
Rushing Offense: 7th
Passing Offense: 93rd
Total Defense: 3rd
Rushing Defense: 1st
Passing Defense: 28th
Turnover Differential: 35th
Team Schedule
vs. Arizona: W 37-9
vs. Ole Miss: W 35-17
at Mississippi State: W 34-7
vs. Texas A&M: W 38-10
Injuries
USF OLB Oliver Colvin, Freshman (questionable)
USF WR Ryan Murray, Freshman (out)
MIA OLB #93 Mark James, Junior | 86 ovr, 84 spd, 89 acc, 60 awr, 90 tkl, 83 bsh, 72 zcv (out)
Miami Hurricanes Projected Starters
QB #6 Kyle Cummings, Rs Sophomore | 6'3", 191lbs | 83 ovr, 80 spd, 79 acc, 68 awr, 85 thp, 87 tha
HB #20 Brandon Woodard, Rs Senior | 5'11", 206lbs | 90 ovr, 90 spd, 91 acc, 67 awr, 92 tkl 80 car, 92 elu
WR #89 Matt Johnson, Junior | 6'0", 184lbs | 89 ovr, 89 spd, 87 acc, 89 cth
WR #81 Trey Arnold, Junior | 5'11", 174lbs | 86 ovr, 89 spd, 88 acc, 85 cth (former USF recruiting target)
WR #10 Mike Massey, Rs Junior | 6'3", 217lbs | 83 ovr, 83 spd, 82 acc, 88 cth
TE #83 Eric Archer, Rs Sophomore | 6'7", 259lbs | 85 ovr, 79 spd, 77 acc, 70 cth, 83 rbk
LT #63 Curtis Powell, Rs Junior | 6'5", 330lbs | 83 ovr, 90 pbk, 81 rbk, 85 str
LG #68 Jerry Davis, Junior | 6'1", 281lbs | 86 ovr, 87 pbk, 78 rbk, 90 str
C #78 David Davis, RS Senior | 6'5", 321lbs | 88 ovr, 97 pbk, 79 rbk, 82 str
RG #62 Justin Jones, Rs Senior | 6'4", 309lbs | 87 ovr, 81 pbk, 98 rbk, 75 str
RT #75 Matt Jackson, Senior | 6'4", 304lbs | 82 ovr, 84 pbk, 84 rbk, 85 str
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DE #92 Brandon Sykes, Senior | 6'4", 271lbs | 91 ovr, 84 spd, 93 acc, 84 str, 89 pmv, 82 fmv, 89 bsh
DE #91 Tucker Parker, Senior | 6'1", 226lbs | 89 ovr, 81 spd, 90 acc, 78 str, 87 pmv, 97 fmv, 85 bsh
DT #90 Ryan Wilson, Sophomore | 6'2", 284lbs | 80 ovr, 86 acc, 73 str, 89 pmv, 73 fmv, 79 bsh
DT #95 Johnnie Adams, Rs Sophomore | 6'3", 297lbs | 79 ovr, 70 acc, 85 str, 86 pmv, 76 fmv, 83 bsh
LB #53 Terrence Tucker, Rs Senior | 6'2", 241lbs | 79 ovr, 81 spd, 86 acc, 59 awr, 80 tkl, 83 bsh, 73 zcv
LB #58 Jay Mills, Senior | 6'1", 243lbs | 89 ovr, 87 spd, 94 acc, 56 awr, 79 tkl, 95 bsh, 71 zcv
LB #99 James Colbert, Sophomore | 6'2", 219lbs | 85 ovr, 82 spd, 90 acc, 50 awr, 83 tkl, 91 bsh, 71 zcv
CB #28 Marlin Nobles, Senior | 6'0", 164lbs | 90 ovr, 94 spd, 90 acc, 72 awr, 95 mcv, 99 zcv, 92 press
CB #46 Mark Williams, Rs Senior | 6'2", 180lbs | 89 ovr, 90 spd, 87 acc, 77 awr, 97 mcv, 99 zcv, 99 press
NB #37 Greg McTaggart, Rs Senior | 6'2", 209lbs | 87 ovr, 94 spd, 88 acc, 76 awr, 93 mcv, 94 zcv, 90 press
S #36 Ryan McCray, Rs Senior | 6'0", 202lbs | 80 ovr, 86 spd, 87 acc, 72 awr, 76 tkl, 75 mcv, 79 zcv
S #29 Joe Crum, Freshman | 6''1", 183lbs | 77 ovr, 80 spd, 90 acc, 59 awr, 85 tkl, 70 mcv, 80 zcv
K #1 Ricky Anderson, Freshman | 84 ovr, 80 kpw, 89 kac
P #8 Scott Wall, Junior | 79 ovr, 88 kpw, 70 kac
Recruits in Attendance
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star
DT Dan James [DT #8]: 6'5", 280lbs | Monte Vista, CO | 4-star
WR Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star
Strength in Unity.
Bulls keep five-star streak alive with commitment from Jacksonville five-star receiver Donald Jones
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
For 25 consecutive recruiting classes, USF has signed at least one five-star, dating back to their 2018 recruiting class when they landed five-star safety Trey Davis. The streak is going to be alive for at least one more season with five-star receiver Donald Jones committing to the USF Bulls over offers from Florida, LSU, Northwestern and others.
The nation's top ranked athlete, Jones made the announcement on Sunday night, handing USF receiver coach Malcolm Francois Jr. his first win on the recruiting trail since returning to USF this past offseason.
While Jones has played multiple positions through his high school career at Oakleaf High School in Jacksonville, Florida, the Bulls are exclusively recruiting him as a receiver where Jones caught 32 passes for 924 yards through his first two seasons with the Knights before making the switch to quarterback. Jones has also played defensive back for the Knights, intercepting two passes as a true freshman.
Despite not playing the position the past few seasons, Jones really impressed the coaching staff this summer when he showed up to their camp and worked out as a receiver for Francois Jr. He's a smooth athlete with an overall good feel for the game and displayed reliable hands earlier in his career as a receiver. There will be a bit of a learning curve as he returns to his old position but the sky is the limit with Jones.
USF could be getting some more good news later this week with four-star linebacker Paul Mason set to announce his commitment on Friday and four-star receiver Will Madison scheduled to make his commitment announcement on Sunday. Alabama, Stanford, Ohio State and Georgia Tech are involved in Mason's recruitment but it's expected to be an Alabama and USF battle down the stretch. USC, Navy, Michigan State and Florida are expected to have hats on the table for Madison along with USF.
2044 USF Recruiting Class
WR Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 300 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max
QB Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
G Mike Miller [G #2]: 6'4", 290lbs | Olney, MD [IMG] | 4-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 670 Squat Max
TE Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
OLB Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
T Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DB Sean Hart [ATH #39]: 6'0", 185lbs | Northbrook, IL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
S Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | USF, Stanford
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Minnesota, Army
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
OLB Paul Mason [OLB #3]: 6'5", 211lbs | Laurel, MS | 4-star | USF, Alabama
DT Dan James [DT #8]: 6'5", 280lbs | Monte Vista, CO | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Troy, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | USF, Mississippi State
WR Will Madison [WR #22]: 6'3", 185lbs | Stillwater, OK | 4-star | USF, USC, Navy, Michigan State
WR Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF, LSU
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | USF, Army
OLB Ryan Jones [OLB #19]: 6'5", 239lbs | Fairfax, VA | 4-star | USF, Rutgers
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Akron, Navy, Kansas, Rutgers
Strength in Unity.
Charlie Flowers -- gousfbulls.com
This as good as it gets in college football as we near the top of the list with the first five of the top fifteen with plenty of them having a case to be even higher on this list. There are even some legends on this list and others that in a previous incarnation of this list were in the top five so that gives you a good idea of just how good the cream of the crop is.
No. 15: S Paul Williams (2026-2028)
Recruiting Profile: 3rd ranked S in 2026 | 5'11", 205lbs | Bradenton, FL | 4-star
Career Stats: 290 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 9 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles.
Record vs. UCF: 2-1
-- W 56-49
-- W 66-30: 9 tackles
-- L 28-7: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
Conference Championships: 2 (SEC)
Bowl Record: 3-0 (BCS NCG, Citrus Bowl, Sugar Bowl)
BCS Bowl Record: 2-0 (BCS NCG, Sugar Bowl)
National Championships: 1
Accolades: 2026 Freshman All-American, 2026 1st team All-American, 2026 1st team All-SEC, 2017 1st team All-American, 2027 1st team All-SEC, 2028 1st team All-American, 2028 1st team All-SEC, 2028 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2028 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2028 Thorpe Award recipient (best defensive back)
There wasn't a ton of flash to Paul Williams but certainly a lot of substance for the IMG grad who was a three-year starter for the Bulls and emerged quickly as one of their better players on defense, recording over 100 tackles to lead the team as a true freshman. Williams earned All-American honors that season and was a key piece in the Bulls winning a national championship that season, beating Navy in the BCS National Championship Game.
While a stumble in the SEC Championship game would stop the Bulls from repeating as national champions, Williams didn't miss a step in his second season, leading the team in tackles once more and recording four interceptions on his way to another All-American and All-SEC selection.
With Jay Jacobs, his fellow safety, declaring for the draft, Williams emerged as the unquestioned leader of the defense heading into his junior season. Williams did not disappoint, recording 89 tackles along with 16 tackles for loss, two sacks and three interceptions on his way to sweeping the defensive awards, winning the Bednarik, Nagurski and Thorpe as he became a three time All-American.
No. 14: 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).
Chuck 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 this high on this list over the likes of Scott Stewart, Shelton Richardson, Dan Johnson and Jake Lott was his junior season.
Sanders set a then school record in 2021 with 22 sacks that season, making him the school's all-time career sack leader at the time in the process as well. He took over games that season and without him, they don't win that national championship.
No. 13: ILB Dallas Gross (2023-2025)
Recruiting Profile: 22nd ranked ILB in 2023 | 6'0", 234lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star
Career Stats: 332 tackles, 71 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 6 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 14 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, fumble recovery.
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, 2024 1st team All-Big XII, 2025 1st team All-Big XII, 2023 Freshman All-American, 2023 1st team All-American, 2024 1st team All-American, 2025 1st team All-American, 2024 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2024 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2024 Butkus Award recipient (best LB).
Squatty and limited athlete. That was the knock on Gross coming out of high school and why 21 other inside linebackers were ranked higher than him. USF didn't hesitate to pull the trigger on the local product and here he is now in the top fifteen with a solid claim to be ranked higher.
Gross was everything Scott Stewart was before him and more, becoming one of the better inside linebackers as a true freshman with ninety-six tackles that season as he earned his first of what would be three 1st team All-American honors. What was even more impressive was that Gross was the team's signal caller on defense, which is insane for a true freshman.
Gross' running mate was Travis Hughes who missed portions of their sophomore season which put even more on Gross' plate and he ate, recording 39 tackles for loss that season on his way to a Bednarik, Nagurski and Butkus award. While both players clearly enjoyed playing with each other and made the other better, Hughes being out allowed for fans to have a lot more appreciate for Gross as he was asked to be a more aggressive at the point of attack and make plays beyond the line of scrimmage as opposed to being a sideline to sideline linebacker roaming the middle of the 3-3-5 defense.
No. 12: QB Michael Harrell (2019-2021)
Recruiting Profile: 2nd ranked QB in 2019 | 6'2", 213lbs | Oviedo, FL | 4-star
Career Stats: 560 of 743, 6138 yards, 56 touchdowns, 29 interceptions, 415 carries, 2857 yards, 26 touchdowns.
Games Started: 37
Record as Starter: 35-2
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 3-0
BCS Bowl Record: 3-0 (Sugar Bowl, National Championship)
National Championships: 1
Accolades: 2021 2nd team All-Big XII
Perhaps the best winner in school history, some might even consider Harrell to be in the top ten -- if not top five -- of the team's best players of all time. He took over as a freshman a rudderless offense that had gone through two play-callers in four games and seemed destined for a 'rebuilding' year where bowl eligibility was the goal. They ended up winning twelve games that year and the Big 12 championship, the school's first.
A limited quarterback in 2019, Harrell was a dynamic one in 2020 and beyond. He led the team in rushing during the 2020 season and set the school's single-season passing touchdown record in 2021 (which has since been broken) while still rushing for 877 yards.
What keeps Harrell outside of the top ten? There are a lot more accomplished players behind him and in front of him on this list. Harrell was a top five selection in the previous incarnation of this list fifteen years ago and since then, a lot of players have accomplished a ton for the program but someone like Harrell cannot be forgotten. The USF we know today doesn't exist without him.
No. 11: EDGE B.J. Patton (2027-2029)
Recruiting Profile: 12th ranked DE in 2025 | 6'6", 247lbs | Kendall, FL | 4-star (committed to Minnesota, transferred to USF)
Career Stats: 174 tackles, 94 tackles for loss, 47 sacks, 2 interceptions, touchdown, 6 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries.
Record vs. UCF: 1-1
-- W 66-30
-- L 28-7
-- W 56-33: 6 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks
Conference Championships: 2 (SEC)
Bowl Record: 2-0 (Citrus, Sugar Bowl)
BCS Bowl Record: 2-0 (Sugar Bowl)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2027 2nd team All-American, 2027 1st team All-SEC, 2028 1st team All-American, 2028 1st team All-SEC, 2029 1st team All-American, 2029 1st team All-SEC, 2029 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2029 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2029 Lombardi Award recipient (best defensive lineman)
The greatest transfer in school history and arguably the best edge rusher to ever step foot at USF, B.J. Patton was all set to play for the Minnesota Gophers before transferring after just one season to USF to be closer to his daughter. After redshirting his first season at USF, Patton made an immediate impact as a redshirt sophomore, leading the way with 22 tackles for loss and eleven sacks along with an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
While Patton failed to get double-digit sacks as a junior, he earned All-American honors as he once again led the team in tackles for loss with 21 and finished with seven sacks. Patton had favorable buzz from NFL scouts and could potentially have been a day two pick but decided to return to school for his redshirt senior season and was award with the No. 1 jersey, the first and only time that a transfer and a defensive lineman has worn the jersey.
Patton made the jersey proud, setting a school record with 29 sacks, including four sacks against UCF in the regular season finale, two sacks in the SEC Championship Game against Alabama and again had two sacks in the Sugar Bowl win over West Virginia.
To this day, Patton's 29 sack season is still an NCAA record and his 47 career sacks remain a school record with no one even coming close since.
Strength in Unity.
Four-star linebacker Paul Mason spurns Alabama for USF as Bulls recruiting class keeps improving
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Mississippi linebacker Paul Mason took a hard look at Alabama's hat, picking it up and inspecting it before chucking it towards the student section behind him and picking up the green hat with USF's logo, locking in his commitment to the University of South Florida.
Mason, the nation's third ranked outside linebacker, picked the Bulls over the Tide as well as Stanford, Ohio State and Georgia Tech. He made the announcement at halftime of his team's 24-3 win over Poplarville. It's a big time get for USF who view Mason as a five-star prospect in terms of talent and think he can be an instant impact player on their defense at multiple linebacker positions.
Internally, the staff has compared him to another former USF great in Travis Hughes and with good reason. Coming out of high school, they were both listed at six-foot-five and 211 pounds with very similar athletic testing numbers and high school film. Similar to Hughes at this stage in his development, the biggest question mark is what exactly is Mason at the next level and if he can hold up to the physicality of the next level.
At West Jones High School, Mason is used as a 'robber', lurking in the middle of the field with the option to rush the passer, spy the quarterback or undercut routes. He finished last season with 73 tackles, nine sacks and had three interceptions which showcases his versatility. He's shown an improvement this season in getting off blocks and finding the ball carrier and not relying sole on his athleticism to go around blockers.
With Mason expected to enroll early, USF will get a chance to play around with where to put Mason as he could potentially play all four linebacker positions but ideally is most likely a WILL linebacker, overtaking that position once Julian Harrell is gone.
2044 USF Recruiting Class
WR Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 300 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max
QB Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
OLB Paul Mason [OLB #3]: 6'5", 211lbs | Laurel, MS | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
G Mike Miller [G #2]: 6'4", 290lbs | Olney, MD [IMG] | 4-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 670 Squat Max
TE Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
OLB Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
T Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DB Sean Hart [ATH #39]: 6'0", 185lbs | Northbrook, IL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
S Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | USF, Stanford
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Minnesota, Army
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
DT Dan James [DT #8]: 6'5", 280lbs | Monte Vista, CO | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Troy, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | USF, Mississippi State
WR Will Madison [WR #22]: 6'3", 185lbs | Stillwater, OK | 4-star | USF, USC, Navy, Michigan State
WR Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF, LSU
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | USF, Army
OLB Ryan Jones [OLB #19]: 6'5", 239lbs | Fairfax, VA | 4-star | USF, Rutgers
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Akron, Navy, Kansas, Rutgers