If something can be seen in USF athletics, Jim Louk has seen it. If there was something to report about the Bulls, Louk was the man in the know.
He has been the radio and sometimes TV voice of the Bulls since 1983, and he is the only voice in the history of USF football. In an era of screamers, Jim is old school -- measured, fair, and thorough. He is USF's walking Wikipedia when it comes to the Bulls' sports scene.
But that time is coming to an end.
At the conclusion of the @USFFootball season, @USFjimlouk will retire as the Voice of the Bulls.
— USF Athletics (@USFAthletics) October 13, 2025
Thank you for 43 years of memories, Jim. 💚
📝: https://t.co/nzyKp8R1pF pic.twitter.com/b3yiGCyO0r
USF announced Monday afternoon that after 43 years of telling the good, bad, and - yes - sometimes ugly about the Bulls, Louk will retire at the end of this football season. Jim Lighthall, a mere pup at 29 years as the voice of Bulls basketball, will take over football duties next year.
“Generations of Bulls fans have only known one Voice of Bulls Football, and we are incredibly fortunate that voice belonged to someone as passionate, prepared, and committed as Jim Louk,” CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins said.
“For 43 years, Jim has been the trusted narrator of our story, bringing to life so many unforgettable moments and memories. We are deeply grateful for his tremendous contributions.”
To put this in perspective, consider this: Louk has been the man behind the mic for longer than head football coach Alex Golesh, who is 41, has been alive. And Higgins, recently named USF's CEO of Athletics, was a student manager for the basketball team while Louk was broadcasting games.
He will have seen more than 3,000 contests, including 341 football games, for the Green and Gold athletes at USF. He has also been there for baseball, men's and women's basketball, softball, and volleyball,
And, trust me, he still has a lot of hop on his fastball. I found that out last year when USF traveled to Orlando to face Memphis after Hurricane Milton ravaged our area. It knocked power out at my house for more than a week, but Jim's trusty voice came through on the battery-powered radio, and it didn't feel like I missed a beat.
The good news, he is not stepping away completely. He will call select basketball and baseball games on ESPN+ and make occasional appearances on football radio broadcasts and other events.
“Jim Louk has been a big part of the history and tradition of South Florida Football throughout his incredible career,” Golesh said.
“He’s been a valued and trusted part of our program and will certainly be missed. I know he’s looking forward to spending more time with his growing family, and I congratulate him on a tremendous run.”