TAMPA, Fla. — The USF football program had a historic season in 2023, setting a dozen team records en route to a 45-0 Boca Raton Bowl victory against Syracuse.
However, that was only the beginning in the mind of head coach Alex Golesh.
"We've said from the beginning [that] we're not here to build a team...we're here to build a program. Something that's sustainable over time," he said.
The Bulls took the next step towards becoming a sustainable program on Wednesday morning when they began fall camp. 19 starters from last season are back, including quarterback Byrum Brown.
Last year, he set or tied 12 program records and was one of two quarterbacks in the nation to record at least 3,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels was the other.
With the popularity of the transfer portal, Brown could have gone elsewhere this summer. However, he believes USF is the right place for him.
"I have unfinished business," he said. "This is the system for me and I can't wait to improve and take this team to where it needs to go."
Brown is not only trying to grow as a starting quarterback, but as a person. He put on 20 pounds during the offseason and is trying to be more of a vocal leader this year.
There are high expectations surrounding the signal caller. Brown was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List and College Football News' preseason All-AAC second team.
The expectations he has for himself are even higher.
"[My] biggest individual goal is to go 12-0," he said. "Sights are set on the national championship"
USF begins the season on Aug. 31 against Bethune-Cookman at Raymond James Stadium.