Nov 4, 2025 - Sports

Where USF's playoff hopes stand

Yacob Reyes

Football player in green and gold USF Bulls uniform holding ball ready to throw, with helmet and dark arm tattoo, blurred crowd in background. — USF quarterback Byrum Brown. Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

USF has playoff potential, and Tuesday night's first College Football Playoff rankings will show how seriously the committee takes them.

Why it matters: The Bulls have never reached the playoffs, but even with a loss to Memphis in Week 9, the possibility remains within reach.

Driving the news: The long-suffering program turned heads with wins over then-ranked Boise State and Florida, and after a humbling loss to Miami, it went on to pummel three of its conference opponents.

Those wins pushed USF into the AP Top 25 four times this season. But after stumbling against Memphis, the Bulls must now win out to stay in the conversation.

State of play: With those losses, USF may not crack the first CFP rankings — although at least one analyst has them sneaking in at No. 25.

Yes, but: National eyes will be on Thursday's game against UTSA and, if early underdog Tulane knocks off Memphis on Friday, USF's playoff path becomes a lot more realistic.

What's next: The first CFP rankings will be released at 8pm, and the Bulls will host UTSA on Thursday at 7:30pm.

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Where USF's playoff hopes stand

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