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USF football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
USF Bulls open 30th season Saturday vs FIU with new coach Brian Hartline.
Easiest schedule in American gives USF best shot at conference title.
Background
USF football is entering its 30th season with high expectations after hiring Brian Hartline as head coach and rebuilding the roster. The team plays its home games at Raymond James Stadium, an NFL facility, but will move to a new $400 million on-campus stadium next fall. This season's schedule is considered the easiest in the American Athletic Conference, fueling optimism for a conference title run.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026Michael Williams is honored as the No. 63 honoree, one of only two players remaining from the 2022 team that went 1-11.
- Sep 3, 2026Jim Lighthall, a USF alum, is announced as the new 'Voice of the Bulls' for football broadcasts.
- Sep 5, 2026USF opens its 30th season against FIU at Raymond James Stadium, with new head coach Brian Hartline leading the team.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- College Football News calls USF's schedule the easiest in the American, while Athlon describes the nonconference slate as 'shockingly easy.'
- Coach
- Defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge said, 'We're going to be the aggressor. We're going to swing first and ask questions later.'