Story perspectives

South Florida Bulls Soar to No. 18, Face Miami

9/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Alex Golesh has led the South Florida Bulls to a 2-0 start and a No. 18 ranking in college football.
The Bulls achieved notable victories over Boise State and Florida, their first wins against ranked teams since 2018.
Golesh, who began coaching at 19, prioritizes discipline and player accountability.
The Bulls will face No. 5 Miami, known for its strong defense and historical dominance.
Analysts warn that maintaining performance against elite teams is challenging, making the upcoming game critical for USF's playoff and conference ambitions.

History

Historical Context

The University of South Florida (USF) launched its football program in 1997, quickly rising to prominence by joining Division I-A in 2001 and the Big East in 2005. Despite struggles in recent seasons, including a winless 2018 against ranked teams, head coach Alex Golesh has revitalized the team, leading to significant victories and setting the stage for a crucial matchup against No. 5 Miami.

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Story summary

Alex Golesh has led the South Florida Bulls to a 2-0 start and a No. 18 ranking in college football.
The Bulls achieved notable victories over Boise State and Florida, their first wins against ranked teams since 2018.
Golesh, who began coaching at 19, prioritizes discipline and player accountability.
The Bulls will face No. 5 Miami, known for its strong defense and historical dominance.
Analysts warn that maintaining performance against elite teams is challenging, making the upcoming game critical for USF's playoff and conference ambitions.

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