Can USF Football Finally Break Through in the 2023 Season?
2025-11-14 15:01
As I sit here watching the offseason unfold, I can't help but wonder: can USF football finally break through in the 2023 season? This question has been haunting Bulls fans for years, and honestly, I'm both excited and nervous about what this year might bring. Having followed this program through all its ups and downs, I've learned to temper my expectations while still holding onto that flicker of hope that this could be the year everything clicks.
Looking at other sports programs gives us some interesting perspective on breakthrough seasons. Just consider what happened in volleyball recently - Minowa eliminated de Guzman's Denso Airybees in the quarterfinals while Madayag's Kurobe Aqua Fairies failed to reach the playoffs after finishing 12th out of the 14-team field with a 15-29 card. That 15-29 record really puts things in perspective for me - it shows how difficult it can be to turn a program around, but also how quickly fortunes can change in sports. The Aqua Fairies' struggle to make the playoffs despite having talented players reminds me of where USF football has been in recent seasons - showing flashes of potential but ultimately falling short when it matters most.
What gives me hope for USF football's potential breakthrough in 2023 is the recruiting class we've put together. I've been tracking these young players since their high school days, and I genuinely believe this might be the most talented group we've had in a decade. The coaching staff seems more settled too, which makes a huge difference in player development. Remember how chaotic things felt two seasons ago? The constant scheme changes, players shifting positions every week - it was a mess. Now there's a sense of stability that I think will pay dividends this fall.
The schedule sets up nicely for USF to make some noise early. Those first four games are absolutely crucial if we want to build momentum toward that breakthrough season. I've circled the Alabama game on my calendar - not because I think we'll win (let's be realistic), but because how we compete against that caliber of opponent will tell us everything about this team's mental toughness. If we can keep it respectable against the Crimson Tide, that confidence could carry through the entire season.
Our offensive line returns three starters, which is huge for continuity. I've always believed games are won in the trenches, and having that experienced core up front could be the difference between 5-7 and 7-5. The quarterback situation seems more settled than it's been in years, though I'll admit I'm still nervous about our depth there. One injury to our starter and we could be in serious trouble - that's just the reality of the situation.
Defensively, I'm excited about the new coordinator's scheme. The multiple front approach should better utilize our personnel, especially those speedy edge rushers we've been recruiting. Last season, we gave up 34.2 points per game - that's simply unacceptable if we want any chance at a breakthrough. I'm looking for that number to drop below 28 this year, which I think is realistic with the returning experience in the secondary.
The American Athletic Conference looks wide open this year, which works in our favor for that potential USF football breakthrough. Cincinnati losing so much talent to the NFL, Houston breaking in a new coach - this might be the perfect storm for USF to climb the standings. I'm not saying we'll win the conference, but a top-three finish isn't out of the question if things break right.
Recruiting in Florida has always been our bread and butter, and this staff seems to be doing better at keeping local talent home. I counted at least seven players from the Tampa Bay area in this freshman class - that kind of local connection matters more than people realize. These kids grew up watching USF football, they understand what this program means to the community, and they'll play with that extra chip on their shoulder.
The fanbase deserves this breakthrough more than anyone. I've been in that stadium when it's rocking, and when Ray Jay is full and loud, it's one of the best atmospheres in college football. We just need to give them something to cheer about consistently. Those Thursday night ESPN games back in the Grothe era were magical - I want to experience that again, and I think this might be the team that brings that excitement back to Tampa.
At the end of the day, predicting a breakthrough season for USF football comes down to belief as much as talent. Do I think we'll win 10 games? Probably not. But 7-8 wins with a competitive showing in every game? That's absolutely within reach. The foundation appears stronger than it's been since the Strong era, and sometimes that's all you need to turn the corner. I'm choosing to be optimistic about USF football's chances in 2023 - after all, hope is what makes being a fan so compelling, even when history suggests we should know better.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
