South Florida Bulls football has announced the addition of 41 players to its roster through the January 2026 transfer portal period. Head Coach Brian Hartline and his staff secured a group that includes 13 athletes who were rated as four- or five-star prospects out of high school.
According to 247Sports, this transfer class is ranked first in the American Athletic Conference and is considered the top group among all Group of 6 programs. Of the new arrivals, 24 come from Power Four programs, while four have previously earned all-conference honors at the Division I level. One newcomer was named an NJCAA First Team All-American. Seven transfers are originally from Florida, with four returning to the Bay area.
The incoming class features a balance across positions: 21 offensive players, 18 defensive players, and two specialists. These additions join the 17 athletes who signed during December’s NCAA Early Signing Period, bringing the total number of new players for South Florida to 58 ahead of the NCAA Late Signing Period starting February 4.
South Florida will also return 54 players from its successful 2025 roster, which achieved a third consecutive bowl appearance and finished with a record of 9-4.
Winter training for early enrollees from both the transfer portal and signing class is underway, with spring practices scheduled to begin in March.
On offense, notable transfers include quarterbacks Luke Kromenhoek (Mississippi State), Michael Van Buren Jr. (LSU), Jayden Bradford (Liberty), and KJ Cooper (Texas Southern). The team also added six wide receivers—five rated as four-star recruits—and six offensive linemen, along with three tight ends and two running backs.
Defensively, nine defensive backs have joined—three were four-star prospects out of high school and eight arrived from Power Four schools. The Bulls also welcomed four defensive linemen and two linebackers: Grayson Howard (Florida) and Sam Robinson (Rutgers), both highly regarded as recruits. Three additions came at the Jack position in coordinator Josh Aldridge’s defense, including former five-star prospect C.J. Hicks (Ohio State). In total, fifteen defensive additions transferred from Power Four programs.
A kicker and long snapper complete this year’s portal class.
Reflecting on program history, USF football began competition in 1997 and recently completed its twenty-ninth season. In recent years, South Florida achieved significant milestones such as their first College Football Playoff ranking appearance in 2025 and multiple AP Top 25 rankings throughout that season. The program has invested in facilities including a $22-million Indoor Performance Facility completed in 2023 and a $349-million on-campus stadium project expected by 2027. Over its history, USF has produced numerous NFL draft picks and All-America selections while making thirteen bowl appearances since becoming eligible.
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