USF has just announced the themes for each home football game this season as the Bulls embark on their third season under head coach Alex Golesh.
Most of the themes are fairly standard, but I’ll admit one of them jumped off the page at me.
That would be the “Back In Black” theme for the August 28 opening game against Boise State, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m.
Because they’re back on the field, the Bulls will wear black uniforms for that game. Someone obviously thought that was clever.
That may look cool, but on a day when the temperature and humidity will undoubtedly be stifling, the uniforms won't feel cool to the players wearing them.
But, you know … marketing.
Pencil in this year's @USFFootball game themes ✍️
— USF Athletics (@USFAthletics) July 7, 2025
🎟️: https://t.co/A9StMOodln#HornsUp 🤘 pic.twitter.com/BjTDrDM3hs
Also, a USSOCOM Para-Commando jump into the stadium before kickoff is part of the pregame festivities.
Now THAT will be cool.
Here are the other themes:
Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. South Carolina State • Noon kickoff
Theme: Bay Day
It’s a day to salute those who make a difference in the community. That includes teachers through the annual Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.
It takes place during the USF Family Weekend and the annual HOT Band Day. That’s where marching bands from around the area come to Raymond James Stadium to perform at halftime.
Friday, Oct. 3 vs. Charlotte • 7:00 p.m. kickoff
Theme: Flashback Friday
It’s a nostalgia theme for fans to celebrate the program’s history, which began in 1997. There will be music, activations, and something called retro branding.
Throwback uniforms, maybe?
It is also Hall of Fame weekend, with five new members of the USF Athletic Hall of Fame being honored. Among them is linebacker Kawika Mitchell and Jim Leavitt, USF’s founding head coach.
Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Florida Atlantic • kickoff TBA
Theme: Homecoming
This one is easy. There’ll be lots of Homecoming-related activities on campus throughout the week, including the Friday night campus parade, and the Homecoming court will be introduced at halftime.
Golesh may remind his team once or 500 times that week what happened when USF hosted the Owls on Homecoming two years ago. The Owls put a 56-14 beatdown on the Bulls.
Thursday, Nov. 6 vs. UTSA • 7:30/8:00 p.m. kickoff
Theme: Salute to Service
This one is always popular. USF will honor military service members and first responders throughout the game while the team dons the patriotic “U” logo. The USF Office of Veterans Success hosts an annual pregame tailgate for military members. A U.S. Coast Guard flyover will take place before kickoff.
Saturday, Nov. 29 vs. Rice • kickoff TBA
Theme: Fan Appreciation Day/Senior Day
The Bulls will conclude the regular-season home schedule by thanking fans for their support and honoring senior Bulls players and their families. Fans at the game will have the opportunity to receive prizes.
The Bulls will be out to avenge the surprising 35-28 loss last year at Rice.