USF Football's C.J. Hicks Says "I'm Here To Be Different"
August 17, 2026 | Football
Coming out of high school, University of South Florida defensive lineman C.J. Hicks was ranked as a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Ohio. That's a huge honor. It's an eye-opening distinction. And it also means that label could follow you everywhere.
It followed Hicks to the Ohio State University, the dream school that he committed to as a 16-year-old. He played 44 games over four seasons with the Buckeyes, including 12 as a true-freshman in 2022 and 15 in the national-championship campaign of 2024. He switched from his high-school position of safety to linebacker, then moved to the defensive line as he added size and strength. There were limited opportunities, resulting in 42 career tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks.
Now, that 5-star designation has followed Hicks to South Florida, where he's hoping to make a big impact for head coach Brian Hartline. If Hicks' production in his final collegiate season matches the expectations placed on him out of high school, the Bulls could have a major acquisition.
"I really wouldn't care as far as what other people would think, but yeah, it was pressure on myself for sure because I'm from Ohio,'' said Hicks, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound graduate student. "With me being a 5-star, I really don't pay attention to that stuff. I put a lot of pressure on myself. You know, things didn't work out there (Ohio State). But I'm here now. I'm here to be different.''
Be Different.
It's a tagline for the culture Hartline has built with the Bulls. Hartline knows Hicks well. He knows he's a good kid, a tireless worker, a loyal teammate and a superbly athletic and physical player. He also believes that Hicks could become one of the American Conference's biggest difference-makers.
"I think that he's a great player,'' Hartline said. "He is really trying to evolve as a man and grow up off the field, just thinking about things differently and thinking more like a pro. He understands the opportunity he has and he's trying to maximize his current role.
"He's a fit with us. The mentality is great. I'm glad he's down here in Tampa.''
By all accounts, Hicks already has made a significant impact on the Bulls.
"You've got dudes like Asani Redwood (defensive tackle) and C.J. Hicks rushing at you … those are some scary dudes,'' Bulls quarterback Luke Kromenhoek said. "C.J. just has a different mindset. He lives up at this facility. He's always working on swim moves, different things like that, always up in the film room studying. He has been an unbelievable dude. I think he's a really special player and he's going to do really special things for us this year.''
"C.J. has got it all, man,'' Bulls defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge said. "He can do it all. We're going to move him around (from defensive end to the hybrid Jack position to outside linebacker) because he can do other things. When you have dynamic players (like Hicks), that's fun as a coordinator because I can feel very strongly that we can adapt our scheme based on who we're playing every week. We can be multiple. C.J. Hicks is a special guy.''
Aldridge said he has been impressed by Hicks' attitude and work ethic.
"He takes it day by day,'' Aldridge said. "He's not, 'Hey, I'm Mr. 5-Star' or anything like that at all.''
Hartline said Hicks made plenty of plays with the Buckeyes and "did a lot of good … but it just really hasn't gone over that edge where it was the right fit for both sides.''
Now it's all about consistency for Hicks, who has become more of a vocal leader and example-setting presence.
"We're continuing to stack days and build a foundation,'' said Hicks, who played high-school ball at Ohio powerhouse Archbishop Alter High School, outside of Dayton. "Not taking the easy way out with things. Just staying strong, stacking days on the rocks instead of building through sand.''
Hicks said he initially wasn't thinking about South Florida once he entered the transfer portal. But his relationship with Hartline, plus getting to know Aldridge and the defensive scheme, told him "USF was the place I needed to be.''
"I would say (it has been) refreshing,'' Hicks said. "You know, it's a different environment. I still go to Ohio, see my mom, still talk to the guys still up there (at Ohio State), so there's something to love for Ohio State in general. But now I'm here. I'm focusing on USF football, taking it game by game and concentrating on winning.
"I paid attention (to South Florida) last year because the program did very well. I feel like this team, what Coach Hartline is pushing, it's getting over the hump. You know, winning the first conference championship, taking it game by game and doing our best to see if we can get into the CFP (College Football Playoff).''
And if that happens, Hicks said he hopes to play a key role. He wears uniform No. 1, which reflects his faith ("because God is the one (and) Jesus is the one'') while also reminding him to strive for "getting one-percent better every day.''
Could C.J. Hicks become the one? Perhaps a havoc-creating player that makes a huge difference for South Florida's defense?
"As a football player, you want to be able to help the team in any way that you can,'' Hicks said. "With what I bring to the table, you can plug me in at the (defensive) end, linebacker, anywhere you need me to play. I'm going to give 100-percent in everything I do.
"I'm just looking to stack days and be consistent. You know, just be me. I don't need to be anybody else. I don't need to live up to anything. Just be who I know I am and do what I know I can do on the field.''
–#GoBulls–
Joey Johnston
Athletics Senior Writer
