TAMPA, FLA., OCT. 5, 2025 – South Florida football returned to the Associated Press Top 25 Poll following a 54-26 rout of Charlotte in USF’s American Conference opener that moved the Bulls to 4-1 on the year.
The Bulls checked in at No. 24 in the AP Poll after posting 631 yards – 407 on the ground – against the 49ers. Quarterback Byrum Brown accounted for five touchdowns on the night as he threw for 211 yards and four touchdowns and ran for a career-best 162 yards and a touchdown – his sixth career 100-yard rushing game. Brown now ranks No. 24 in the nation accounting for 15.6 points per game.
The Bulls defense looked like vintage USF teams, forcing the Charlotte offense off the field in three plays or less in six of the 49ers’ first eight possessions, blocking a punt for a safety and getting an interception. Charlotte totaled just 13 yards in its first eight possessions. The defense went on to force four turnovers on the night and extend a string of 13 straight games gaining a turnover. USF now ranks No. 7 in the nation in turnovers gained.
After an historic start to the season that saw South Florida knock off ranked opponents in back-to-back games for the first time in program history, the Bulls were ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll following Week 2. The Bulls opened the season with a dominant 34-7 victory over No. 25 Boise State in Raymond James Stadium before securing an 18-16 upset of No. 13 Florida in The Swamp in Week 2. Florida downed No. 9 Texas in Gainesville on Saturday.
The return to the national rankings continues a tradition of success for USF and marks the Bulls’ 50th week in the poll. The Bulls one loss on the season came on the road at Miami, now ranked No. 2 in the latest AP Poll.
UP NEXT
USF hits the road for another Friday night primetime clash as the Bulls take on North Texas in Denton, Texas on Oct. 10. The game is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN2. North Texas will be coming off a bye week and will enter the game unbeaten at 5-0 (1-0 American) on the year.
Tickets:
Single-game tickets for the 2025 USF football season can be purchased by calling 1-800-GoBulls or visiting this LINK.