Quarterback Byrum Brown will be with USF when the Bulls play Old Dominion on December 17 in the Cure Bowl, but he won't be in uniform. Instead, he will be on the sidelines as an "assistant coach" following the announcement that he will not play in the game.
"In the spirit of transparency and based off the recent coaching transition here, we mutually determined with Byrum that it’s best for him to not play in next week’s Cure Bowl. This quick determination means that Gaston Moore is able to fully prepare and make the well-deserved start in his final collegiate game," CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins tweeted.
Bulls Nation, we wanted to share that Coach Hartline and I continue to have great conversations with Byrum Brown and his family about his future at USF. In the spirit of transparency and based off the recent coaching transition here, we mutually determined with Byrum that it’s…
— Rob Higgins (@RHiggins_USF) December 10, 2025
Brown's next move is unclear., although this decision is certain to trigger wild speculation about his future.
The record-setting quarterback can return next season to play for new coach Brian Hartline. He could enter the Transfer Portal, where former Bulls coach Alex Golesh would almost certainly try to lure him to Auburn. The demand for his services would be high, so he might opt for another school.
Or, Brown could declare for the NFL Draft.
Either way, the decision takes a lot of juice out of the Bulls' third consecutive bowl game. Brown is coming off a season where he threw for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also ran for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Higgins noted that Brown remains involved in the program.
"Byrum continues to attend every team activity/practice and has been incredible in supporting his teammates as he always is," Higgins said. "So much so, that we’ve asked Byrum to serve as a coach in the Cure Bowl to help us get our tenth win, which we’re excited to share he’s graciously agreed to do!
Hartline said earlier this week that he has had "great" talks with Brown.
"The communication has been great with him. I think very highly of him and his parents," Hartline said. "I look forward to spending more time with him in person through this week. I like, I like his mentality. That's probably the most impressive part that I've seen, I think that's a big factor in an athlete success,"
Kevin Patrick will serve as the interim head coach for the Cure Bowl following Golesh's departure. He took some key offensive coaches with him, including coordinators Joel Gordon and Kodi Burns.
Moore appeared in seven games this season while serving as Brown's primary backup. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 54 yards and one touchdown. True freshman Locklan Hewlett will serve as Moore's backup.