TAMPA — It’s almost time for college football.

The University of South Florida begins fall camp Tuesday, looking to turn the page on a dismal era.

The Bulls have won a total of just four games the past three seasons.

What You Need To Know

After an offseason of change, expectations are changing as the program is embracing a new chapter — starting with new head coach Alex Golesh.

“I walked in this morning, went downstairs to the weight room, went to the training room, and reminded everybody, it’s actually time for football,” Golesh said.

The Bulls have undergone a massive roster overhaul, adding 49 new players since Golesh arrived in December.

“Man, I don’t know if you’re ever going to feel like 100%,” he said. “But I feel like we filled as many gaps as we could through the recruiting process.”

Golesh is tasked with turning around a losing program, and that begins with creating a new culture.

“A culture of accountability, competitiveness,” Golesh said. “Setting a standard where what you’re getting at on a daily basis is the winning, meaning, the way we work, the way we handle adversity, the way we attack the culture within our locker room.”  

Golesh said his motto is: “Be who you say you are.”

 

Tuesday’s practice was the first test.

“The guys are ready to go get after it,” said offensive lineman Donovan Jennings, a 2023 American Athletic Conference Preseason 2nd Team All-Conference pick. “The energy, the passion out there, everyone is willing to attack the day with a different enthusiasm than we have before, and it’s just so exciting to see.”

One of the biggest questions heading into fall is who the Bulls will name as starting quarterback?

Gerry Bohanon started last season until injuries derailed his season. Byrum Brown played the final two games after Bohanon injured his shoulder.

But Golesh is in no hurry to name a starter.

“Every single spot you’re going to get evaluated on every single day,” Golesh said. “The quarterback spot’s a little bit unique because game-plan wise things change, but I could see us playing multiple quarterbacks in a game."

Golesh said both quarterbacks are ready to prove they can turn things around for USF.

“We can learn how to compete together, and really come together on the field in a way we complement each other,” Bohanon said. “Just from my foundation on the way winning teams work, we play complementary football, and if we can play complementary football, we’ll be just fine.”