Bulls Welcome Back Byrum Brown for 2025

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Austin Walls | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 7:44 PM ET

The USF Bulls may have lost several of their starters from a year ago, but one of the core players that is returning in 2025 is starting quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown had a great start to his 2024 season. However, after a minor injury against the Miami Hurricanes that was reaggravated against the Tulane Green Wave, he was shut down for the rest of the season. Many thought he would transfer, but the injuries led him back to the Bulls and another season in Tampa, Fla.

USF’s New-Look Offense

Most of the Bulls’ offense in 2024 graduated including wide receiver Sean Atkins and all three running backs. Now the Bulls top receivers will be Keshaun Singleton and JeyQuan Smith, both of whom were on the team a season ago. The Bulls also employed a running back -by-committee rushing attack with Kelley Joiner Jr., Nay’Quan Wright and Ta’Ron Keith. With all three running backs gone, the Bulls had to go into the transfer portal to get some experience in that department.

USF head coach Alex Golesh added Charlotte running back Cartevious Norton and UT-Martin transfer Sam Franklin to take over the roles of the departing running backs. If Golesh decides to go with three backs again, he could also decide to use sophomore Alvon Isaac who got minimal time in his freshman season. Alongside Brown, Singleton and Smith, the Bulls’ skill players could be in good hands week one.

What to Expect From Brown

The one downside for Brown is that he hasn’t played in a game since September 2024. By the time week one rolls around, he will have gone nearly a year without playing in a meaningful college football game. It is expected that he will have some rust to shake off.

However, the Bulls need to get going fast with three difficult games to start the season . On Aug. 28 they face off with the Boise State Broncos, in Tampa. In week two, they head to the Swamp to clash with the Florida Gators. Finally, in week three, they take on Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. If Brown doesn’t play up to the level fans know he is capable of playing, the Bulls could start the season with the three consecutive losses heading into American Conference play. The Bulls will open up conference play against Charlotte on Oct. 3 in week six after a bye week.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: