1. WR Bryson Rodgers (Ohio State)
The biggest splash for USF came from Ohio State, with Bryson Rodgers joining Brian Hartline at USF. Rodgers, a former 4-star recruit from Wiregrass Ranch High School near Tampa, spent three seasons with Ohio State. He had 11 catches, 125 yards, and one touchdown. Rodgers has two years of eligibility remaining. Having played under Hartline's system with his track record of developing receivers, Rodgers should be set to have an immediate major role this season for the Bulls.
2. OL Caleb Cook (Georgia Southern)
Hartline landed an absolute stud in Caleb Cook. Although Cook only has one year of eligibility remaining, is a powerful big 6-foot-3, 320-pound force of nature who could potentially play on Sundays. Cook was a captain for his Eagles and was the All-Sun Belt Conference first team this season. Cook brings experience with 25 starts in the last two years, He should be a huge asset for USF's offensive line this season.
3. RB D.J Crowther (Dartmouth)
D.J Crowther, in 10 games for Dartmouth this season, had 929 rushing yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Another senior who has one year of eligibility, but who should play a key role for the Bulls this season. Crowther is an elusive back from Sacramento and was a 3-star recruit in high school. Crowther is a fun running back to watch. He has an unorthodox upright stance similar to that of former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. He has great size at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds. He's not scared of contact and will run through anybody.
4. QB Michael Van Buren (LSU)
Former LSU and Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren looks to bring his SEC experience to the Bulls for his junior season. Van Buren improved noticeably this season, especially in his efficiency, with an 8-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in four starts for the Tigers. Van Buren has a similar archetype to other quarterbacks in a Brian Hartline offense in the past. He likes to be a pocket passer, but if the pocket collapses, he has the ability to make plays rushing. That will be on display next season if he wins the starting job for the Bulls.
5. OL Julius Tate (Coastal Carolina)
Julius Tate, a 3-star recruit from Greenville, South Carolina, had an impressive freshman season for Coastal Carolina. At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Tate is a tank at guard and played all 13 games this season. He made the All-Sun Belt third team and could be a key player for the Bulls for the next few seasons.