Ohio State WR Bryson Rodgers formally commits to USF, giving Bulls a needed weapon

Receiver Bryson Rodgers' long-assumed move from Ohio State to USF became reality Friday. The former 4-star receiver from nearby Wesley Chapel came home to provide Bulls coach Brian Hartline with another significant playmaker.

Rodgers played at Wiregrass Ranch High School, where he and former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht were teammates. Rodgers will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Injuries limited Rodgers to seven games this season.

Coming out of high school, 247Sports noted, "Slight of frame, especially for a wide receiver prospect that isn’t exactly known for his long speed times, but plays with an exuberant amount of confidence, which allows him to create separation in traffic and then pickup chunks of yardage after the catch. Ability to accelerate in the snap of a finger is without a doubt a strength at this stage in his development while rubber band-like joints allow him to change directions with ease."

At Ohio State, Rodgers was part of what generally was considered the top wide receiver in the country. His stats aren't dazzling -- in 20 overall games, he caught 11 passes and had one touchdown -- but he was playing with at least two bonafied first-round NFL draft picks in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.

He brings needed speed, bravado, and big-game experience to the Bulls. Despite the presence of more high-profile receivers with the Buckeyes, Rodgers logged considerable playing time during Ohio State's 2024 national championship season.

His experience with Hartline will be a plus as the Bulls rebuild a receiving room that saw five receivers from the 2025 USF team transfer to Auburn.

Other receivers coming to USF through the portal so far include Jaron Glover of Mississippi State, Kenny Odom from UTEP, and Arhmad Branch from Purdue.

The portal is open through January 16. The spring transfer period has been eliminated.