Photo Credit: Fox 13 Tampa Bay
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The University of South Florida football season is getting closer. With that comes more attention on Brian Hartline and his new-look Bulls. Hartline spoke with reporters Monday after another fall-camp practice. The session offered more insight into USF’s preparation for the season. The Bulls enter 2026 with plenty of changes. Hartline replaced Alex Golesh after last season’s 9-4 campaign. He also inherited a roster that needed major turnover. USF added 41 players through the transfer portal this offseason. The group included 13 players with four- or five-star recruiting backgrounds. Only four starters returned from last year’s team. That turnover makes fall camp especially important. Hartline must establish roles while building chemistry across the roster. Monday’s press conference offered another look at that process.
Hartline Continues Building His Culture
Hartline has consistently emphasized competition since taking the job. He wants players to earn opportunities rather than receive them automatically. That message fits his larger philosophy for the program. Hartline wants USF players to separate themselves through preparation. He also wants them to embrace their individual strengths. The coach has repeatedly used one phrase to describe that approach. That phrase is “Be Different.” Hartline believes that mindset can separate USF from its competition. He also wants consistency from his players and coaches. That consistency starts with preparation and daily habits. The message carries even more importance during fall camp. The Bulls have limited time before their September opener. Therefore, every practice carries additional importance.
C.J. Hicks Embraces a Fresh Start
Monday also featured defensive lineman C.J. Hicks. The Ohio State transfer discussed his new opportunity at USF. Hicks arrived in Tampa with an impressive recruiting background. He earned five-star status coming out of high school. He also ranked as Ohio’s top recruit in his class. Hicks spent four seasons at Ohio State. He appeared in 44 games during his Buckeyes career. He recorded 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. Now, Hicks wants to make his final season different. He said the expectations placed pressure on him personally. However, he does not want to focus on his old recruiting label. Instead, Hicks wants to focus on his current opportunity. That approach matches Hartline’s philosophy perfectly. USF needs Hicks to become an important defensive contributor. His experience gives the Bulls another valuable piece up front. His physical development also adds intrigue to the defense.
A Defense Built Around Aggression
Defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge has established another clear message. He wants the Bulls to play aggressively and create constant havoc. Aldridge previously helped East Carolina lead the American Conference defensively. Now, he hopes to bring that aggressive identity to Tampa. The Bulls finished fourth in American scoring defense last season. However, they ranked eighth in total defense. That leaves plenty of room for improvement in 2026. Hicks could help address that need. So could Florida transfer linebacker Grayson Howard. Safety Tavin Ward also returns after a productive 2025 season. Ward recorded 60 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one interception. Georgia Southern transfer Ayden Jackson also joins the secondary. He recorded 74 tackles and three interceptions last season. Together, those players give Aldridge plenty to work with.
The Quarterback Battle Remains Important
Another major storyline surrounds the quarterback position. USF lost Byrum Brown when Golesh left for Auburn. Brown joined his former coach and several other Bulls players. Now, two transfers headline the quarterback competition. Michael Van Buren Jr. and Luke Kromenhoek both arrived this offseason. Both players have legitimate opportunities to win the starting job. That competition will remain one of camp’s biggest storylines. Hartline must eventually choose the quarterback who best fits his offense. The Bulls also added offensive talent around the position. D.J. Crowther brings experience from Dartmouth’s backfield. Jason Collins Jr. also arrives after productive seasons at Morgan State. Meanwhile, Wyatt Sullivan returns at tight end. Bryson Rodgers also gives USF another intriguing receiver. Those pieces could help ease the transition at quarterback.
USF Has Plenty to Prove
The Bulls have high expectations entering Hartline’s first season. They also face questions because of the roster turnover. Still, the program has plenty working in its favor. USF finished 9-4 last season and reached another bowl game. The Bulls also went 6-0 at home during that campaign. This season marks USF’s final year at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls will move into their new on-campus stadium in 2027. That facility will seat 35,000 fans. The Bulls open the 2026 season against FIU on September 5.
They then travel to Army for their conference opener. Before then, Hartline must continue shaping his team. The recent press conferences show a program embracing that challenge. The roster looks different. The coaching staff looks different. The expectations remain extremely high. Most importantly, Hartline wants the Bulls to play differently. He wants them tougher, smarter, more disciplined, and more competitive. Now, fall camp must turn those words into results. USF has several weeks left to prepare for the season. Soon, the Bulls will finally get their chance to show it.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida 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 host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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