TAMPA, Fla. — As USF approaches next Saturday's home opener against Bethune-Cookman, the team not only senses the hype surrounding this season — they see it.
More than 600 fans greeted the team with a standing ovation as they walked into The Gathering inside Armature Works for Thursday’s kickoff luncheon. The sellout crowd set an attendance record for the event.
Each attendee dined with players and heard from head coach Alex Golesh, who thanked the fans for their support and previewed the upcoming season.
“When you see something like this, you know that people are buying in," USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly said.
The buy-in is high because the Bulls return 19 starters from their historic 2023 season that ended with a shutout victory against Syracuse in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Both fans and alumni foresee greater success this year, especially with the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams.
“My excitement level…I can’t necessarily put into words. I know it’s going to be a really special year for this team," former USF linebacker Sam Barrington said. "Coach Golesh is a phenomenal coach. He's shown that he can get the job done."
The lofty expectations go beyond football this fall, however. USF will soon have shovels in the ground for a new, on-campus stadium opening in 2027.
“It’ll be an engagement tool for the community. It’ll be our home. Built by USF, for USF," Kelly said.
The new stadium is the next big step towards Golesh’s long-term goal.
“We want to build a sustainable program. Something that people can be proud of for years to come. Not be a one-hit wonder, not be a great team. We want to be an elite program," Golesh said.
If USF reaches that level, an invite to a bigger conference could be on the horizon.
“We are P4 in everything already. It’s just a matter of us beginning to pour into our kids and having the success behind it. Our players in every sport are prepared to take that next step," Kelly said.
Until then, the Bulls are locked in on next Saturday.
“We’re a week away from football season. I’ve got goosebumps because this is what we do. This is what we live for," Golesh said.
The season opener kicks off at 7 p.m. inside Raymond James Stadium.
