MOVING ON
USF'S LIST OF DEPARTURES IS RELATIVELY SMALL, COACHING STAFF EXCITED FOR CONTINUITY
Last season when DJ Porter and his staff showed up in Tampa they were immediately faced with the tall task of replacing more than one quarter of the roster. This year things are a bit different with just eight seniors who have used up their eligibility set to leave the program.
Graduated/Used up eligibility
These eight seniors helped elevate USF into a 12–2 contender and leave behind a legacy of production, leadership, and steady growth across multiple position groups. Below is a full look at each graduating Bull, their 2027 contributions, and what they meant to the program.
Connor Doyle – LT, Senior
2027 Stats: 759 snaps, 1 sack allowed
Doyle was the definition of a steady veteran presence. Tasked with moving to the opposite end of the offensive line than what he was used to he dove into it head first and thrived. Protecting the blindside for Locklan Hewlett, he provided both physicality and composure, allowing only a single sack across 759 snaps. His dependable play helped stabilize an offensive line that endured youth and injuries at multiple spots. Doyle’s technique and consistency gave the Bulls a foundation in pass protection and were essential in unlocking both the vertical passing game and the perimeter run scheme.
Dinellson Exume – DT, Senior
2027 Stats: 27 tackles, 18 TFL, 12 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Exume anchored the interior of Tony White’s aggressive front and delivered one of the most dominant defensive tackle seasons in school history. His explosiveness at 6'4" 275 allowed him to knife through gaps and create havoc on all three downs, finishing third in the nation among interior linemen in sacks. Exume’s consistent disruption set the tone for a defense that led the AAC in several categories, and his leadership in the locker room helped stabilize a young rotation around him. His absence will be as noticeable culturally as it will be statistically.
Nico Gramatica – K, Senior
2027 Stats: 12 of 17 field goals (70%), long of 50; 46 of 47 extra points
Gramatica continued the family legacy with a strong final season, providing USF with steady kicking in pressure situations. His 50-yard field goal tied the longest of his career, and he was nearly automatic on PAT attempts. Gramatica brought professionalism and calm to special teams, and his reliability allowed DJ Porter the confidence to play for points in tight moments. He leaves as one of the more accurate and consistent kickers USF has had in the modern era.
Izaiah Guy – DB, Senior (RS)
2027 Stats: 57 tackles, 4 INT, 91 INT return yards
Guy was the definition of a veteran corner: steady, smart, and opportunistic. Then the coaching staff asked him to move to safety. He made the move without hesitation and he brought a confidence and polish to USF’s secondary that allowed Tony White to call his defense aggressively. His four interceptions led the team, and each came at a pivotal moment in conference play. After three years in Tampa, Guy leaves behind a complete résumé as both a great player and senior leader.
Cedrick Hawkins – S, Senior (RS)
2027 Stats: 104 tackles, 7 TFL
Hawkins was the heartbeat of the Bulls defense, patrolling the deep middle with range and closing speed while stepping downhill to support the run with physicality. His 104 tackles led the team and showcased his ability to clean up explosive plays before they developed. Hawkins played every snap with urgency and discipline, helping hold together a secondary that dealt with several rotation changes early in the year. A multi-year starter with strong instincts, he leaves behind a legacy of toughness and reliability.
Tyler Williams – WR, Senior (RS)
2027 Stats: 123 receptions, 1,809 yards, 11 TD
The most prolific receiver in program history, Williams produced one of the greatest single-season performances the AAC has ever seen. His blend of size, strength, and catch radius made him nearly uncoverable, and his chemistry with Locklan Hewlett elevated USF’s passing game to new heights. From contested catches to explosive gains after the catch, Williams did everything a number one receiver is supposed to do. His graduation marks the end of one of the most memorable careers in Bulls football and leaves an enormous void in production. Williams projects as a day three NFL pick.
Daidren Zipperer – WR, Senior (RS)
2027 Stats: 54 receptions, 541 yards, 3 TD
A trusted veteran in the slot, Zipperer was one of the most reliable chain-movers on the roster. He thrived in tight spaces, understood leverage better than most collegiate receivers, and consistently found soft spots in coverage. His presence allowed USF to stay ahead of the sticks and maintain balance in the passing game even as defenses keyed on Williams. Zipperer’s consistency and football IQ were invaluable to an offense that ranked among the best in the conference.
Adam Zouagui – K, Senior
2027 Stats: 1 of 1 field goals, long of 27; 1 of 1 extra points
Though his on-field contribution came in limited action behind Gramatica, Zouagui remained a valued member of the specialist unit and a respected presence in the locker room. He handled his opportunities cleanly and provided insurance at a position where depth is often overlooked until it is needed. Zouagui’s professionalism and preparation ensured that USF always had a ready option at kicker.
Transfers
Fifteen players elected to leave Tampa last winter when Porter and his staff came to town. That number is much lower this time around, a testament to the coaching staff.
Wide receiver turned tight end Kyrie Michaels also explored the option of transferring but, as he stated on his social media, he decided the coaching he would get at USF was second to none.
Trey Chancellor - QB, Freshman (RS)
2027 Stats: 1 completion, 2 attempts, 9 yards, 5 carries, 20 yards, 2 touchdowns
Chancellor did see the field in certain situations where he was used primarily as a running option. He has elected to transfer in hopes of landing in a system that fits his skillset better.
Cordell Folkerts – CB, Freshman (RS)
2027 Stats: 10 tackles, 1 INT
Folkerts leaves USF to move closer to home after a promising redshirt season. He showed strong instincts and ball skills in limited snaps, highlighted by an interception that showcased his anticipation in zone coverage. Though buried behind veterans like Izaiah Guy and David Igbinoghene, Folkerts was expected to compete for a rotational role in 2028. His departure opens the door for Devin Nowell to step into expanded responsibilities.
Cary Magoolaghan – FS, Freshman (RS)
2027 Stats: NO STATS RECORDED
Magoolaghan departs to chase an opportunity closer to his home in California. Despite not recording defensive statistics in 2027, he was viewed internally as a developmental safety with upside. His transfer represents more of a long-term depth loss than an immediate on-field impact, though the Bulls defense will be looking to replace two starting safeties.
TJ Stanley – QB, Sophomore (RS)
2027 Stats: 2 completions, 3 attempts, 20 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Stanley’s decision to transfer stems from what he feels is a limited opportunity behind entrenched starter Locklan Hewlett. A decent athlete with some running ability, he saw only spot duty after losing the battle to Hewlett early in the season. Still, Stanley’s professionalism and steady development were appreciated by the staff, and he leaves with the potential to thrive elsewhere. “TJ was great to work with. He never hesitated to help the other guys in the QB room. We wish him the best.” QB coach Pat Develin said of Stanley.
Dawann Troup – WR, Freshman (RS)
2027 Stats: 38 receptions, 520 yards, 13.7 per catch, 3 TD
Troup’s departure is a significant loss for USF and comes primarily due to a desire to be closer to home. The redshirt freshman emerged as a legitimate versatile threat and complementary outside receiver opposite Tyler Williams, showcasing speed and smooth route running. His 75-yard TD on a screen was one of the highlights of the season, and his ability to stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally helped open interior windows for the passing game. Troup leaves as one of the most productive young players to transfer out of the program during the Porter era.
