As USF approaches the 2025 football season, it’s natural for fans to focus on players like quarterback Byrum Brown and the other skill players.
However, for Alex Golesh’s offense to hum like Bulls’ fans hope, it will be up to the guys on the offensive line to make it work.
The good news is, this could be the deepest and best O-line of the Golesh era. In an interview leading up to the spring game, O-Line coach Tyler Hudanick said, “We have a veteran bunch and we have a chance to be really, really special.”
That applause you just heard in the background was from quarterbacks Brown and Bryce Archie. Standing behind a line where every projected starter is at least 6-foot-5 and well north of 300 pounds should give them a comfortable feeling heading into the season.
USF fans surely remember the beating Brown took two seasons ago when the line allowed 43 sacks.
The Bulls cut that number nearly in half last season, allowing 22 sacks, including 14 combined against Alabama, Miami, and Tulane. That ranked seventh among American Athletic Conference teams.
If they can make similar progress this season, the Bulls could be headed for something special.
“It gives you a swinging chance. I think if you don't have an offensive line, you don't have a chance. And I'll be honest with you, for us, it's where we're offensively, where we live and make our money,” Hudanick said.
The potential is there.
The Bulls return five starters on the line, including Cole Best, who started 10 games last season between guard and center. They added two key pieces in the transfer portal – Former Tampa Jesuit tackle Connor McLaughlin from Stanford and Thomas Shrader from Appalachian State.
#stayinthebay 🤘 pic.twitter.com/0Z6yV6qEdd
— Connor McLaughlin (@connormclau) December 16, 2024
They also added freshmen Collin Bellomy (6-7, 270), Khalil Collins (6-1, 288), Gerrick Gordon Jr.(6-4, 290), Carrollwood Day School, and junior Khalil Walker (6-5, 310) from Coffeyville Community College.
The transition from the struggles of two years ago to a deep and athletic unit now is remarkable.
Now, the challenge is to blend that talent into a unit that can make a difference, especially given USF’s three-game gauntlet against Boise State, Florida, and Miami to start the season.
The blending work has been underway for months.
“The biggest piece before you ever even talk X's and O's and technique and fundamentals with those guys is being five as one off the field. We ask those guys to spend a bunch of time together outside of here, you know, be around each other over in the apartments,” Hudanick said.
“Outside of here, we do a bunch together. It starts there.”