> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Five Takeaways from USF's 2026 Spring Game - URL: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/five-takeaways-from-usfs-2026-spring/ - Published: 2026-04-20T13:03:07.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T15:45:14.000Z - Description: Here some things I noticed on Sunday at Corbett Stadium - Author: Collin Sherwin - Tags: #Migrated-1792597384348, #Import 2026-10-21 15:44 The South Florida Bulls played their 2026 spring game Sunday. Brian Hartline’s first game as a head coach was essentially a large open practice for Bulls fans to watch. The game featured a matchup between USF’s offense and defense, with the defense earning points for turnovers, fourth-down stops, three-and-outs and forcing punts. The offense earned points for scoring and also received credit for special teams success. “Really proud of where we were three months ago to where we are now, but we’ve got a long way to go,” Hartline said after the game. He also mentioned that his team has shown great flashes of play but is still chasing consistency coming out of spring practice, as most teams are. However, while the play on the field will look far different when the Bulls run out of the tunnel at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 5, there are still plenty of things to take away from Sunday’s spring game. Here are five of the most important: ***Note: No statistics were recorded for this game.*** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/a9/77a9bb8f-d0f1-45b5-8fed-5feacd465ef5/content/images/2026/10/a6b2fa39-c2b1-4b21-a672-db6e1c9db432_5712x4284-jpeg.jpg) Colby Allfrey | Bay Area Examiner ### USF’s quarterback competition is far from over The competition for starting quarterback between junior LSU transfer Michael Van Buren and sophomore Mississippi State transfer Luke Kromenhoek will likely be the main storyline surrounding the Bulls when fall camp begins. “There will be a quarterback battle for a while. They’re both doing a great job,” Hartline said. Both Van Buren and Kromenhoek had one touchdown pass and one turnover in the game. Kromenhoek was intercepted by senior cornerback Jair Murphy, while Van Buren fumbled on a zone-read exchange. The biggest strength Van Buren displayed Sunday was his mobility. Time after time, he maneuvered within or escaped the pocket with ease. His legs allowed him to find receivers on the run or pick up first downs when pressured. While Kromenhoek does not have the same mobility, he was the more accurate passer Sunday. He made several impressive throws across all areas of the field and showed the ability to deliver under duress. Neither quarterback set the world on fire, but both looked in command of their offensive units. Hartline also didn’t rule out using both quarterbacks this season. “If two guys earn the right to play football, then it’s a part of the conversation, and we’ll start there and always keep the team in mind,” Hartline said. “Ultimately, it comes down to those guys being able to provide something to the offense, and if we get to that point, it’s definitely worth a conversation.” While a two-quarterback system is unlikely, Hartline’s comments reflect how highly he thinks of Van Buren and Kromenhoek moving forward. The quarterback competition will remain an ongoing storyline. ### USF’s running back room could be its strongest position group USF has a reloaded running back room after losing Nykahi Davenport to the transfer portal and Sam Franklin and Cartevious Norton to graduation. The Bulls got rushing touchdowns from senior Morgan State transfer Jason Collins Jr., sophomore Chase Garnett and sophomore Connor Matthews. Senior Dartmouth transfer D.J. Crowther and junior Alvon Isaac also had impressive runs. Ohio State averaged 4.5 yards per carry in Hartline’s offense last season, and the Bulls look poised to have a strong running attack again after rushing for 2,757 yards at 5.4 yards per carry last season. “We feel really good, and we feel deep there,” Hartline said. “We’ve got some guys that can carry the football.” ### This is a far different USF offensive scheme USF fans have grown accustomed to Alex Golesh’s offense, which operates at a breakneck pace, but Hartline and offensive coordinator Tim Beck do not play at that speed. The Bulls huddled before the majority of their plays — a pace that will look far different from last year’s team. Another difference is how much more the Bulls will use their tight ends. Graduate Evan Dangler and sophomore Brandon Kubay recorded receptions, and Kade Caton caught a touchdown pass. “I love the tweaks to the new offense,” senior tight end Wyatt Sullivan said. Hartline noted that tight ends were an important part of his offense last season at Ohio State and will be a key part of USF’s offense this season. ### Jaron Glover could be a breakout player for the Bulls Glover was all over the field Sunday. The Mississippi State transfer didn’t record a catch last season and has just 455 receiving yards in four seasons of college football, but that didn’t show in this performance. He appeared to be Van Buren’s favorite target and caught a touchdown pass along with several other receptions. With more opportunities, the former four-star prospect could be poised for a breakout under Hartline in Tampa. Some of USF’s key receivers, such as Mudia Reuben and Jey’Quan Smith, did not play in the spring game, but Glover could be a vital part of the offense if he maintains this level of play. ### The Bulls’ secondary looked strong With much of the attention on the quarterback competition, USF’s secondary made life difficult for both passers. Murphy delivered one of the most impressive plays of the game, twisting around and using his strength to overpower the receiver he was covering for an interception. Senior Texas A&M transfer cornerback JR Rosenberg and freshman Masiyah Limehouse were also standouts. USF’s receivers struggled to find separation throughout the afternoon, and there were very few coverage busts. Even more impressively, the secondary held up despite inconsistent pressure from the defensive front. Van Buren and Kromenhoek often had to extend plays because no one was open. There is plenty for Bulls fans to be excited about heading into the summer.