USF Bulls Restructure Roster with New Additions Ahead of Hawaii Bowl Showdown

Tampa, Florida – USF Begins Replenishing Roster Ahead of Hawaii Bowl

As the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls prepare to compete in the Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday, they are actively restructuring their roster following the opening of the December transfer portal. The Bulls have announced the addition of eight newcomers to their team and expect more arrivals in the upcoming days.

Who

The Bulls’ team is a mix of veterans and newcomers. Notably, the current roster features an overwhelming presence of seasoned players, with 32 seniors and graduate students making up a significant portion of the depth chart. Key veteran players who will be making their final college appearance in Hawaii include leading receiver Sean Atkins, top rusher Kelley Joiner, and standout defense player Jhalyn Shuler.

What

The announced additions include several key players from various universities. Among them is Connor McLaughlin, a former standout offensive tackle at Stanford who returned to his roots in the Tampa area and is expected to fortify the offensive line. USF also secured Cartevious Norton, a talented running back from Charlotte, who has demonstrated his capabilities in previous seasons.

The Bulls are making strategic moves to enhance their defensive lineup as well. Notable additions include Boogsie Silvera, a safety who excelled at McNeese State, and two players from Florida Atlantic University (FAU)—defensive end Jacob Merrifield and tight end Wyatt Sullivan. These newcomers are set to bring fresh energy to the already veteran-laden team.

Where

This roster renewal is taking place as the Bulls prepare for their Hawaii Bowl matchup, which will be held in Honolulu. This game is critical as it marks the end of the season for numerous senior players, who will be transitioning to the next chapter of their lives post-college football.

When

The current transfer portal period commenced on December 9 and will continue until December 28, allowing teams to make necessary adjustments. A second portal window is set to open in April, from the 16th through the 25th, further allowing teams to refine their rosters.

Why

The key reason behind these rapid roster changes is the expected graduation of many veteran players. As USF prepares for the future, recruiting fresh talent is essential to maintaining competitiveness in upcoming seasons. With an influx of transfers, the Bulls aim to replenish positions and ensure a versatile, dynamic team ahead of the next season.

This proactive approach reflects the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities within the team, especially with losses to players who have significantly contributed over their college careers. The addition of younger talent is critical for the Bulls to continue building momentum after the end of the current season.

As the December portal period progresses and the Bulls head to Hawaii, excitement is building around the potential impact of these new players. Each newcomer will play a crucial role in determining the future success of USF football in the seasons to come.