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The USF Bulls are charging into a historic 2026 season, marking the program’s 30th anniversary. It is a year defined by “firsts” and “lasts”—the first under a high-profile new coaching regime and the last in their long-time home at Raymond James Stadium. As the program prepares for a massive transition, the excitement in Tampa is at a fever pitch.
A New Captain at the Helm: Brian Hartline
The biggest off-season headline was the departure of head coach Alex Golesh to the Auburn Tigers. In a move that sent shockwaves through the Group of 5, CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins landed Brian Hartline as the program’s seventh head coach.
- The Pedigree: Hartline arrives after a legendary stint as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. Known as one of the nation’s elite recruiters and offensive minds, he inherit a program coming off three straight bowl appearances, including a 9–4 finish last season.
- Roster Reset: The transition hasn’t been without hurdles. Star quarterback Byrum Brown followed Golesh to Auburn, leading to a major roster overhaul. Hartline has responded by bringing in 58 new players—including 41 via a transfer portal class currently ranked No. 1 in the Group of 5.
The Final Stand at “Ray Jay”
The 2026 season serves as a year-long “farewell tour” for Raymond James Stadium.
- Home Sweet Home: The Bulls were a perfect 6–0 at home last year. In 2026, fans will get more opportunities than ever to celebrate, as the schedule features seven home games for the first time since 2019.
- Looking to 2027: Construction is officially underway on the $340-million on-campus stadium. Set to open in 2027, the 35,000-seat facility will feature a unique “Bull-shaped” student section and the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence.
2026 Schedule Highlights
The 2026 slate is a gauntlet that tests the Bulls early and often.
| Month | Key Matchups | Notable Details |
| September | vs. FIU (9/5), @ Army (9/12), vs. Delaware St (9/19) | Conference play begins Week 2 at West Point—the earliest in program history. |
| October | vs. Temple (10/3), @ UTSA (10/8), vs. Kent State (10/17) | Homecoming is Oct. 17 against Kent State. The month ends with a “Black Out” game on Halloween vs. UAB. |
| November | vs. Memphis (11/12), @ FAU (11/21), vs. Tulane (11/27) | The “War on I-95” vs. FAU and a season finale against conference powerhouse Tulane. |
Season Outlook: Chasing Double Digits
While the roster has seen significant turnover, the expectations remain high. The Bulls avoid several tough conference opponents like Navy and North Texas this year, opening a clear path to another nine-win season or better.
With Brian Hartline’s “speed-dating” approach to the portal and a schedule that favors the home crowd, the Bulls are poised to close the Raymond James era with a championship-caliber bang.
How many games will USF win in 2026? Leave a comment below.
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Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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