Over the past couple of years, USF has regained its spark. In the past, USF was often undervalued compared to schools like UF and FSU, especially given its status as the main University in Tampa. However, they have gained a lot of attraction through football and improved learning. With successful coaching and new players, USF football has gained a lot of attention from the entire nation and kids at Robinson High School in the past year.
The team in the first week of college football beat #25 Boise State, which put them on the watch list for getting ranked. After that game, USF went into a guaranteed game against the Florida Gators; however, the team came out victorious. This put USF at #18 in the nation. The 3rd week of the season was hard for USF, going into Miami to play the Hurricanes, who were ranked 5th in the nation. The loss removed USF from the top 25, but after the 2 wins against South Carolina State and Charlotte, USF got re-ranked as #24 going into week 7 against North Texas. With the university winning a ton, it brought everyone closer together and gave them a shared love and respect for the football team. Community is one of USF’s most important values, as many students all over Tampa attend the school. Students get to see old friends and meet new people who share a deep love for the city.
“I think the football team’s success did bring an overall positive energy to campus,” Robinson alumna Maddie MaCauley (USF ’29) said, “Everyone was very excited when we beat UF specifically.”
After the North Texas victory, USF moved up to #19 going into week 8 against FAU, where they won again. Week 9 was one of USF’s most important games against the division rival, the University of Memphis. Through a hard-fought back-and-forth game, USF lost in the final minutes, but the team learned a lot that week, and they were ready to come home to play UTSA. The game put USF at #24 and gave them a spot in the college football playoffs for the first time in program history. This put USF back in the talks of one of the top universities in the nation and one of the best in the state of Florida. USF has a new stadium coming in 2027, which will allow for a ton of sporting events, including football. The stadium will be one of the best in the state with completely modern features, making it perfect for students and families.
“I think the success of the football team is really impressive,” aspiring USF student Alexis Caruthers (’25) said, “Even though it was close, they beat UF this year, which was awesome, and USF is getting its own stadium in 2027, which is going to be super nice and will have many amenities and modern features.”
The success that the team has been having has created a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay Community, including many students here at Robinson. Students feel that USF education and athletics have progressed, which gives the university a higher reputation. With USF being located in Tampa, students who want to stay close to home see it as the perfect school. Tampa as a whole is a great city to live in as a college student, with the amount of evening activities, sporting events, and places to study. Alongside the success USF has had with athletics, the money they get from the state and students allows the school to upgrade all amenities to give the school more appeal to students who show interest and keep current students at the school.
“I’d say USF’s reputation has really taken off, especially after we beat UF on their own turf,” Robinson alumna Bryn White (USF ’29) said. “As a student, I’ve definitely felt a shift in the school spirit, even just in the first month of the semester. Once the team started winning, students became more hype and ready to win.”
USF went into the last 4 weeks feeling hopeful, with a record of 7-2, the Bulls feeling unstoppable. Until the Navy Midshipmen took them down again, diminishing their chances of making the playoffs and moving up in the rankings. USF played and won its final 2 games against UAB and Rice University. The last 2 games showed everyone the resilience and determination this South Florida team has shown the nation all year long. Through the tough losses and blowout wins, USF has made a mark on college football and its reputation for future students.
