Featured photo by USF Athletics: Gramatica is hoisted up by teammates after a 20-yard field goal upsets the Gators.
By: Jim Williams
Senior Columnist – Associate Editor – Capital Sports
In a weekend that redefined Florida football’s power map, the South Florida Bulls (USF) stunned No. 13 Florida in Gainesville, 18–16, to earn their highest AP Top 25 ranking in seven years—landing at No. 18. The upset not only marked a seismic shift in the Sunshine State’s college football hierarchy, but also set up a blockbuster Week 3 showdown against No. 5 Miami. With Florida State climbing to No. 10 a game that can be seen nationally on The CW or streamed on the free CW app.
The CW in Florida:
South Florida’s Rise: A Revival, Not a Fluke
Under third-year head coach Alex Golesh, USF has engineered back-to-back wins over ranked opponents—No. 25 Boise State and No. 13 Florida—becoming just the fourth team in AP Poll history to start a season 2–0 against ranked foes while unranked.
QB Byrum Brown led the Bulls with 263 passing yards and a touchdown, while Nico Gramatica’s clutch field goal sealed the win in The Swamp.
The Bulls now prepares to face No. 5 Miami, aiming to become the first team since Miami in 1987 to open a season with three wins over ranked opponents.
Sunshine State Power Surge
Miami (No. 5): The Hurricanes are undefeated and surging behind a balanced offense and top-10 defense. Their matchup with USF could be a defining moment for both programs.
Florida State (No. 10): The Seminoles crushed East Texas A&M 77–3 and continue to climb, marking their highest ranking since the 2024 preseason.
Conference Power Rankings Breakdown
Southeastern Conference (SEC)
Dominance: 11 teams in the AP Top 25, the most of any conference.
