Transfer quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. During the USF Football 2026 Spring Game
Photo by Alex Felski
By Dominic Feo
Students and fans of the University of South Florida football team gathered at Corbett Stadium on April 19 to watch the team’s first spring Game under new head coach Brian Hartline.
The audience of 3,878 is now the largest Bulls crowd to watch the team’s newest transfers find their footing.
Transfer quarterbacks Luke Kromenoek [Florida State] and Michael Van Buren Jr. [Louisiana State University] continued their battle for the starting spot next September. Both passers were able to find open receivers, but Van Buren Jr. separated himself by using his legs to gain yards when plays broke down.
Transfer quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. during the USF Football 2026 Spring Game. Photo by Alex Felski
“There will be a quarterback battle for a while,” Hartline said about competition at the position. “That being said, they’re both doing a great job. I think the most encouraging part is that they’re encouraging each other. So, as far as today went, I think the ball wasn’t put in jeopardy too often.”
No position group made more plays however, than the revamped running back room. Aside from Alvon Isaac and Chase Garnett, freshman Connor Matthews and transfers Jason Collins Jr. and D.J. Crowther broke off big runs throughout the day.
The first score of the game was a long run from Collins Jr., who squeezed through defenders before sprinting up the left sideline. This will be Collins Jr.’s first year in the FBS, following three years at Morgan State.
Jason Collins Jr. running to the endzone during the USF Football 2026 Spring Game. Photo by Irena Mesa | The Crow’s Nest
Several Bulls defenders stood out, including corner Jair Murphy, who caught a diving interception in the endzone. Murphy was more of a playmaker on special teams last season, blocking two punts.
The aggressive play from Murphy is exactly what new defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge wants from his squad. Coaching Eastern Carolina University’s defense last season, the Pirates let up the second least yards in the American Conference.
“I like what I see so far,” defensive end Michael Williams II said. “Since [Aldridge] got here, he has been on me, and he has been on all of us. Honestly, since he got here, I can say that our defense has improved tremendously.”
Corner back Masiyah Limehouse also looked disruptive, breaking up passes throughout the day. Limehouse joins the Bulls this offseason after committing last May.
Head coach Brian Hartline during the USF Football 2026 Spring Game. Photo by Irena Mesa | The Crow’s Nest
Until opening day kickoff against Florida International University on Sept. 5, USF will focus on recruiting the first high school class of Hartline’s USF tenure.
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Written by: Dominic Feo on April 28, 2026.
Last revised by: Julia Ferrara