Photo Credit: WFLA
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The South Florida Bulls begin a new chapter Saturday night. USF opens the 2026 season against Florida International at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff comes at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 5. The matchup carries plenty of importance for both programs. USF enters the game after a 9-4 season in 2025. The Bulls also reached their third straight bowl game. However, the Bulls enter 2026 with a completely different look. Brian Hartline takes over as USF’s head coach. The former Ohio State assistant replaces Alex Golesh. Golesh left Tampa for Auburn during the offseason. Hartline also faces significant roster turnover. The Bulls lost quarterback Byrum Brown to Auburn. Brown produced 3,158 passing yards and 1,008 rushing yards last season. Now, USF must find new leaders across the roster.
Michael Van Buren Gets the Call
The biggest question entering camp centered around quarterback. USF eventually settled that debate. LSU transfer Michael Van Buren Jr. won the starting job over Luke Kromenhoek. Hartline announced the decision after a close competition. Van Buren brings valuable Power Four experience. He started 12 games during his previous college career. He also faced several highly ranked SEC opponents at Mississippi State. Van Buren enters Tampa with 2,896 career passing yards. He also has 19 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. His mobility adds another dimension to the offense. Kromenhoek remains an intriguing option behind him. The former Florida State quarterback started two games during his freshman season. Still, Van Buren gets the first opportunity.
FIU Has Its Own Quarterback Question Answered
Florida International also enters the season with a new quarterback. The Panthers expect J.J. Kohl to lead the offense. Kohl transferred to FIU after playing at Appalachian State. He produced 1,465 passing yards during eight games last season. He also threw 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Kohl brings impressive size to the position. He stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 250 pounds. That creates an interesting matchup against USF’s rebuilt defense. The Bulls need to pressure Kohl without giving him easy throws. Meanwhile, Kohl must handle a USF defense that wants to create havoc.
The Passing Matchup Could Decide Everything
The quarterback matchup gives this game plenty of intrigue. Van Buren brings more experience against Power Four competition. Kohl brings recent production and an impressive physical profile. However, the receivers could ultimately decide which quarterback controls the game. FIU returns Kyle McNeal at wide receiver. McNeal caught 31 passes for 310 yards last season. He also scored one touchdown. He earned a spot on the 2026 Conference USA preseason watch list. That makes McNeal an obvious player for USF’s secondary to track. FIU also returns defensive back Shamir Sterlin. Sterlin recorded two interceptions and four pass breakups last season. He also started all 12 games for the Panthers. Therefore, Van Buren will face a legitimate test outside the pocket.
USF’s New Receivers Need to Step Up
USF enters the game with plenty of new faces. The Bulls added 41 players through the transfer portal. Fourteen newcomers carried four-star or five-star recruiting ratings. That talent gives Hartline plenty of options. However, talent alone does not create instant chemistry. Van Buren must develop trust with his receivers quickly. The Bulls also need their new offensive line to protect him. Only one returning starter remains along the offensive line. Eight transfers bring 98 combined career starts. That experience should help. Still, opening night presents a different challenge.
USF’s Defense Faces a Tough Test
The Bulls also made major changes defensively. Josh Aldridge takes over as defensive coordinator. He brings an aggressive approach to Tampa. USF added several important defensive transfers. Former Ohio State defensive end C.J. Hicks gives the Bulls another potential difference-maker. His pass-rushing ability could create problems for Kohl. USF needs pressure from the defensive front. If the Bulls force Kohl into obvious passing situations, they can attack. However, FIU has enough talent to punish missed assignments.
A Rivalry with Some History
Saturday’s matchup also has some history. USF leads the all-time series 2-0 against FIU. The teams last met in 2008. That long gap makes Saturday’s meeting especially interesting. Both programs have changed considerably since that last matchup. USF now competes in the American Athletic Conference. FIU competes in Conference USA. The Panthers finished 7-6 last season. They also reached a bowl game under Willie Simmons. FIU ended 2025 with a four-game winning streak. Therefore, the Panthers should enter Tampa with confidence.
The Final Season at Raymond James
This opener also begins USF’s final season at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls will move into a new 35,000-seat on-campus stadium in 2027. That adds another storyline to the 2026 campaign. USF wants to make its final Raymond James season memorable. The Bulls also want to prove last year’s nine-win season was not a fluke. Hartline now gets his first chance to establish his identity. That process begins against an FIU team with confidence.
What to Watch Saturday
The quarterback matchup deserves the most attention. Van Buren needs to protect the football and make quick decisions. Kohl needs to handle USF’s pressure and find McNeal consistently. Meanwhile, USF’s new receivers must create separation. The offensive line must also keep Van Buren comfortable. If the Bulls accomplish those goals, they should control the game. Still, FIU has enough experience to make things uncomfortable. This game represents more than a season opener for USF. It marks the beginning of the Hartline era. It also starts the final football season at Raymond James Stadium. Most importantly, the Bulls get their first chance to show what this new roster can become. Saturday night should provide the first real answers.
This is the final season at Raymond James it will be exciting I can see USF getting off to a 1-0 start in 2026.
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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