The University of South Florida opened its 2025 football season against Boise State on Thursday night and held a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter, according to the ESPN broadcast. After Boise State struck first on a touchdown catch by wideout Chris Marshall, USF answered with a short rushing score from quarterback Byrum Brown. The Bulls then extended the margin when their special-teams unit executed a fake punt that was completed for a touchdown pass, a play that gave South Florida firm control of the game. A victory would give the Bulls an early boost in the Group-of-Six race for the expanded College Football Playoff. The non-conference matchup is being played before a national television audience on ESPN.