The revolving door known as the transfer portal has rewritten the rules about what college football programs expect from their players. Larger teams with deep-pocketed support routinely poach stars from smaller programs, and there is not much anyone can do about that.
Many USF fans seem almost resigned that sophomore quarterback Byrum Brown will depart for a Power 4 school after this season. However, Brown looks like a different kind of cat. Those who know him best say he is humble, loyal, and a natural leader.
With that in mind, consider these words he told Fox 13 TV in Tampa during an interview a couple of days ago.
"Tampa Bay is home just because of the people, the fans, the rapport I've built with the coaches and my teammates. You can't leave that behind," Brown told reporter Sean Barie.
Brown is sure to be high on the target lists for multiple power-conference teams, and why not? As a redshirt freshman in 2023, he set 12 USF passing records. He is already sixth on the Bulls’ career passing yardage list, and as USF improves, Brown will gain more visibility.
And head coach Alex Golesh has wisely prepared by adding four other quarterbacks to the current roster besides Brown. He also has a commitment from highly regarded Class of 2025 quarterback Locklan Hewlett. It’s best to be prepared.
However, the Bulls now have the foundation for something special, and it’s clear that matters a lot to Brown.
"Being the foundation that helped turn it around is special because we're going to look back when USF is still dominating in 10 years, we're going to be like, 'we're the ones who helped start it,’” he said.
And, who knows? If Brown spends his career at USF, he might get into the ring of honor at the new stadium – assuming there is a ring.
That’s getting way ahead of things, though.
For now, a new season opens in about six weeks, and expectations are high. Settle back, enjoy the show, and take comfort that the portal seems like the last thing on Byrum Brown’s mind.