USF Bulls Path to College Football Playoff Explained
In a thrilling turn of events, the University of South Florida (USF) is on the verge of making history by possibly earning a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time.
After years of near-misses and mid-season collapses, the Bulls, led by Coach Alex Golesh, have put together a wild 2025 campaign. Their season’s been packed with dramatic wins—like that nail-biter over Florida—and breakout performances from quarterback Byrum Brown.
Now, as they gear up to face Navy in a game that could define their year, USF’s path to the CFP has never looked more within reach. Let’s take a closer look at their journey so far, what’s at stake today, and where things could go from here.
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USF’s Remarkable Season
The 2025 season has been something else for USF. After years spent chasing the spotlight, the Bulls have finally crashed the college football conversation in a big way.
They started with a commanding 34-7 win over Boise State. Momentum really picked up after Nico Gramatica’s clutch field goal sealed a last-minute win against Florida.
Sure, they took a heavy loss to Miami, but the Bulls bounced back with a string of blowout victories. Honestly, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Key Games and Performances
Here’s a rundown of the games that have shaped USF’s season so far:
- Aug. 28: vs. Boise State | W 34-7
- Sept. 6: at Florida | W 18-16
- Sept. 13: at Miami | L 49-12
- Sept. 20: vs. South Carolina State | W 63-14
- Oct. 3: vs. Charlotte* | W 54-26
- Oct. 10: at North Texas* | W 63-36
- Oct. 18: vs. FAU* | W 48-13
- Oct. 25: at Memphis* | L 34-31
- Nov. 6: vs. UTSA* | W 55-23
- Nov. 15: at Navy* | Noon | ESPN2 | Fubo
Byrum Brown: The Dual-Threat Star
Quarterback Byrum Brown has really turned heads this year. He’s got that rare dual-threat ability—2,203 passing yards and 705 rushing yards put him among the nation’s best.
Brown’s knack for making plays with both his arm and his legs has been a huge reason for USF’s success. The guy just keeps defenses guessing.
Offensive Prowess
The Bulls’ offense has been rolling, averaging over 40 points in their wins. It’s not just Brown, either.
- Nico Gramatica: He’s nailed some seriously clutch field goals, including the game-winner against Florida.
- Wide Receivers: The receiving corps has been steady, giving Brown plenty of dependable targets.
The Path to the College Football Playoff
USF’s shot at the CFP isn’t without obstacles. They’re sitting at No. 24 in the latest rankings, and they’ll have to win out to lock up a spot in the American Conference championship game on Dec. 5.
The loss to Memphis stung, but Memphis dropping a game to Tulane cracked the door back open. Feels like this conference just won’t let anyone get comfortable.
Remaining Schedule
Here’s what’s left for the Bulls:
- Nov. 15: at Navy*
- Nov. 22: at UAB*
- Nov. 29: vs. Rice*
They’ve got to win out to keep things in their own hands.
Conference Standings and Playoff Implications
Heading into Week 12, the American Conference looks like this:
- Navy: 5-1 (7-2)
- North Texas: 4-1 (8-1)
- USF: 4-1 (7-2)
- Tulane: 4-1 (7-2)
- East Carolina: 4-1 (6-3)
Whoever comes out on top between USF and Navy is going to have the inside track in the conference. That’s a big deal for their playoff hopes.
Playoff Predictor
ESPN’s playoff predictor gives USF a 38% shot at making the playoff—the best odds for any Group of 5 team, and 11th overall. James Madison, from the Sun Belt, isn’t far behind at 35%.
Could both sneak in? It’s not impossible, but it’d take some chaos.
The USF-Navy game kicks off at noon on ESPN2. Thanks to an ongoing dispute, it won’t be on YouTube TV, which is annoying, but there are workarounds.
You can stream the game on the new ESPN app, or try Fubo—they’re offering a free trial for new users. Not ideal, but at least there are options.
Streaming Options
Catch the game live here:
- ESPN2: Standard TV broadcast.
- Fubo: Free trial available for newcomers.
- ESPN App: Stream with the unlimited plan.
Conclusion
USF’s 2025 season has been a wild ride—ups, downs, and everything in between. The Bulls are right on the edge of making history.
They’ve picked up some big wins and had a few standout performances along the way. Now, with a real shot at the American Conference championship, USF is in the mix for the College Football Playoff.
Today’s game against Navy? It’s huge. If they pull off a win, they’re that much closer to the dream.
Want more details about USF’s playoff hopes or just need the latest updates? Check out the Herald Tribune.
