The drumbeat has been consistent throughout the offseason. Now it's getting louder. The fans are buzzing. It's approaching a fever pitch.
USF football will not tip-toe into the 2025 season. In fact, the Bulls have the nation's most challenging schedule over the first three weeks. For the first time ever in their non-conference schedule and the first time overall since 2009, the Bulls will face top 25-ranked opponents over three consecutive weeks.
Thursday, Aug. 28 — USF vs. the No. 25-ranked Boise State Broncos at Raymond James Stadium, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN).
Saturday, Sept. 6 — USF at the No. 15-ranked Florida Gators, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 4:15 p.m. (SEC Network).
Saturday, Sept. 13 — USF at the No. 10-ranked Miami Hurricanes, Hard Rock Stadium, 4:30 p.m. (CW).
The Bulls are the only team in the nation with at least three Preseason AP Top 25 opponents on their non-conference schedule.
"Since we got back in January, that thing has been in front of our players, staring them in the face,'' Bulls head coach Alex Golesh said. "It's a really easy thing to point to. Man, you better be ready. We, as coaches, better be ready.
"There cannot be any sort of letdown, even through the dark days of winter, spring ball or summer conditioning. There will be no chance to take a breath. But you know what? It's awesome. The players love it. The fans will love it. Is it a challenge? Absolutely. Is it a massive opportunity? Absolutely.''
Golesh said he remembers the questions about last season's schedule, when the Bulls faced No. 4 Alabama and No. 8 Miami.
"People were like, 'What are you guys thinking?' '' Golesh said. "And I told them, 'Those guys have to play South Florida.' And I'll tell you the same thing now. Boise State has to come to Tampa and play South Florida at Ray-Jay on a Thursday night on national TV in the heat.
"For who we are, for us to take the next step, we've got to go win a marquee game. That happens to be the first one. It's right there for us.''
In two seasons under Golesh, the Bulls have faced three ranked opponents in the non-conference season to date. Slated to face three more among the Bulls' four non-conference games in 2025, that total could climb to six among 12 regular season non-conference games under Golesh.
Boise State was 12-2 last season and a College Football Playoff participant. The Broncos don't have running back Ashton Jeanty, off to the NFL after becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist, but they do return quarterback Maddux Madsen (62.4-percent completions, 23 touchdowns, six interceptions) and 15 starters overall.
The Bulls will welcome Boise State with a "Back In Black'' theme, wearing black-on-black uniforms for the opener.
"That's pretty dope, man,'' B-backer Rico Watson said. "Being at home, opening up in all-black, coming out of that tunnel, it gives me chills just thinking about it. I can't wait.''
"To prove you're the best, you've got to play the best,'' said defensive tackle Jacob Merrifield, a transfer from Florida Atlantic. "If you have NFL aspirations, here's a chance to show you belong with some great competition. I love the fact that we're playing through this summer heat and that other team (Boise State) is from the Northwest. It has to be an advantage. We're built for a game like this.''
Meanwhile, the Gators were 8-5 last season and closed with a four-game winning streak, including a 33-8 victory against Tulane at the Gasparilla Bowl. There's optimism of a continued turnaround with sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway as Coach Billy Napier enters his fourth season in Gainesville. The Gators escaped USF 31-28 in a 2022 game at the Swamp when the Bulls' final-minute tying field-goal attempt went awry after a bad snap.
The Hurricanes finished 10-3 last season, slowing in November after a 9-0 start. Miami has added quarterback Carson Beck, formerly of Georgia, where he was 24-3 as a starter.
"Any time you're playing high-level teams in the state of Florida, there's automatic hype,'' safety Fred Gaskin said. "After seeing all the hard work and dedication we've put in this offseason, I feel like we're going to shock a lot of people. We're transforming this program into a team that can beat anybody.
"I'm excited about those first three games, but really I'm excited for the whole season. We've got bigger goals than winning just three games. We want to win a championship.''
On Sept. 20, the Bulls face South Carolina State — "One of the best teams in FCS, nothing to joke about,'' Golesh said — before beginning the American Athletic Conference slate at home on Friday, Oct. 3 against the Charlotte 49ers.
"The cool thing, from a fan aspect, is we're in the state of Florida for the first five games (before an Oct. 10 trip to North Texas),'' quarterback Byrum Brown said. "Our fans can see us a lot and travel to the away games.
"It's going to be very exciting, but it's one game at a time and we're not even at the first game yet. We've got to iron our wrinkles out and make sure we're ready.''
Cornerback James Chenault has no doubt about the Bulls being ready.
"When I was in high school (Orlando Jones), we played against a lot of national teams,'' Chenault said. "You're not playing against a name. You're playing against a team. So, we plan to be balling out, no matter who we're playing.
"People are going to find out about South Florida football. We're really good and we have the schedule to get people's attention. We're keeping our heads down, practicing and staying hydrated. But when the time comes, we'll be ready. I can promise you that.''
–#GoBulls–
