In a season full of unexpected wins and heartfelt tributes, the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls have started to look like a real threat in college football. Led by head coach Alex Golesh, USF kicked off with a 2-0 start, including a wild win over the Florida Gators. It’s the first time the Bulls have cracked the rankings since 2018.
This blog takes a closer look at Golesh and his team, and honestly, it’s been quite a ride. There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes—big changes, emotional moments, and more than a few surprises.
The Transformation Under Alex Golesh
When Alex Golesh took over in December 2022, USF football was at rock bottom. They’d just wrapped up a brutal 1-11 season, and over the previous three years, they’d only managed four wins.
Golesh, though, saw something worth saving. He made sure the then-athletic director, Michael Kelly, would back him up with the resources needed to turn things around.
Investing in Success
Golesh didn’t waste time. The staff got bigger, and another $1.5 million went into the assistant coaches’ salary pool. Recruiting funds went up, and the nutrition, strength, and conditioning setup got a complete overhaul.
Now, players get three meals a day. There’s a nutrition bar in the weight room, mini-fridges everywhere, and snack baskets in every meeting room. It’s a far cry from what they had before.
- Staff size increase
- Additional $1.5 million for assistant coaches
- Boosted recruiting budget
- Overhauled nutrition and conditioning programs
Building for the Future
Maybe the biggest sign that USF is serious? The $349 million on-campus football stadium, set to open in 2027. That’s a huge commitment—no way around it.
Quarterback Byrum Brown put it like this: “We put the dirt down. We’re putting up poles. We’re seeing what this program can really be for years to come.”
The Influence of Amir Abdur-Rahim
Another piece of the story is the late USF men’s basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim. He was hired just a few months after Golesh. The two shared a vision, and Abdur-Rahim’s turnaround at Kennesaw State lit a fire under Golesh.
A Lasting Legacy
Abdur-Rahim wasn’t just a basketball guy—he was everywhere. He showed up at football practices, gave advice, and even had a catchphrase: “This ain’t the same ol’ South Florida, my brother!” That line caught on fast.
After Abdur-Rahim passed away in October 2024, Golesh honored him with a photo in the football facility hallway. It’s a small thing, but it means a lot to the team.
Belief and Buy-In
Golesh knew he needed his players to believe. In his first meeting, he asked for “a little blind faith.” Not everyone would have gone for it, but guys like center Cole Best and sixth-year linebacker Mac Harris bought in.
Harris summed it up: “AG says it all the time, leave no rock unturned. Check every detail, go through every obstacle you have to go through the right way.”
Early Season Success
USF’s start to the 2025 season has been wild. They opened with a 34-7 win over Boise State, then pulled off an 18-16 comeback against the Florida Gators.
People are starting to pay attention, and honestly, it’s about time. USF looks like a real contender for that Group of 5 Playoff spot.
Facing Tough Opponents
The schedule this year? No joke—Boise State, Florida, and Miami. Golesh was unsure about it at first, but then he just decided to go for it. “You know what? Let’s go play them,” he said.
The win over Florida was a statement. For once, the “Big Three” in Florida had to make room for someone else.
For more on USF’s journey and their recent wins, check out the full article on ESPN.
Looking Ahead
Even with the hot start, Golesh isn’t getting carried away. “We haven’t arrived,” he says. “We have two really good wins. We have another really good game, and then we’ve been really average in this conference for the last two years. We have so much left to do.”
It’s a work in progress, but you get the feeling something special’s brewing at USF. Maybe it’s just the beginning.
Continuing the Legacy
As the Bulls gear up for their next game against No. 5 Miami, the memory of Amir Abdur-Rahim still lingers. Golesh keeps a text from Abdur-Rahim saved on his phone—a small but meaningful reminder of their friendship and what they built together.
After their recent wins, Abdur-Rahim’s widow, Arianne, sent Golesh a message: *Amir is looking out for you.* It’s the kind of thing that sticks with you, especially in moments when the stakes feel high.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
