Boise State kick off their new campaign under the primetime lights on Thursday with a testing road clash at Raymond James Stadium, home to a South Florida side that has quietly built a reputation as one of the AAC’s most watchable outfits.
The Broncos enter the season riding the momentum of a 12-win year, though they’ll have to navigate uncharted waters without star back Ashton Jeanty. Even so, the poise and experience of quarterback Maddux Madsen provides a steady hand at the wheel.
On the flip side, USF are pinning their hopes on a fully fit Byrum Brown, eager to rediscover the form that made him the Bulls’ first-ever 3,000-yard passer before injuries derailed his 2024 season.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch South Florida vs Boise State NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
READ MORE:Fubo Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions, free trials and more
South Florida vs Boise State: Date and kick-off time
South Florida will take on Boise State in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 5:30 pm ET or 2:30 pm PT, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
| Date | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| kick-off Time | 5:30 pm ET or 2:30 pm PT |
| Venue | Raymond James Stadium |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
How to watch South Florida vs Boise State on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: CBS
- Streaming service: Fubo
Streaming the game with a VPN
Unable to watch this game due to broadcast restrictions? A VPN could be the answer to your problems.
When it comes to streaming live sports, NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN service in 2025. You can even try NordVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
South Florida vs Boise State team news & key players
South Florida Bulls team news
On the other side, South Florida wrapped up last season in dramatic fashion, outlasting San Jose State 41-30 in a wild five-overtime Hawaii Bowl thriller. The Bulls had to survive much of the year without their star QB Byrum Brown, but with him fully healthy, there’s optimism he can rediscover the spark that made him a 3,000-yard passer.
Most of the core remains intact, though the roster has been boosted with a wave of transfers. In the backfield, Cartevious Norton and Sam Franklin are expected to spearhead the ground game, while newcomers Thomas Shrader and Connor McLaughlin add size and experience up front on the offensive line.
The passing game has also been given a facelift with Chas Nimrod (Tennessee), Mudia Reuben (Stanford), and Tyler Williams (Minnesota) all arriving to bolster the receiving unit. Defensively, the Bulls have leaned heavily on the portal too, with Josh Celiscar (UCF/Texas A&M) and Devin Lee solidifying the trenches. Linebackers Jacob Marrifield, Dre Butler, Traveon Mitchell, and Dennard Flowers also join to reinforce depth.
Veterans Jhalyn Shuler and Mac Harris return as the heartbeat of the defense, combining for 175 tackles last season. Meanwhile, in the secondary, De’Shawn Rucker remains the key man, coming off a 2024 campaign with 42 tackles and seven pass breakups.
Boise State Broncos team news
The Boise State Broncos stormed their way into the CFP last year, and with some fresh tweaks on both lines, they've got their eyes set on another run in 2026. The big question, though, is how they’ll fill the void left by Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman finalist who’s now suiting up in the NFL.
Head coach Spencer Danielson won’t be relying on a single workhorse this fall — instead, a running-back-by-committee approach is on the cards with Sire Gianes, Breezy Dubar, Dylan Riley, and Malik Sherrod all expected to get their share of touches.
Replacing Cam Camper out wide is another challenge, but the Broncos believe Chris Marshall is ready to step into the WR1 role. Cameron Bates was also in the mix, but Marshall looks poised to carry the mantle. At quarterback, Maddux Madsen returns after a stellar 2024 season where he threw for over 3,000 yards with 23 touchdowns against just 6 picks. Former USC talent Malachi Nelson has transferred in but will slot in as the backup.
On defense, Boise State looked shaky early last season, surrendering 82 points in their first two outings, but they tightened up considerably, conceding 30 or more just twice the rest of the way. They bring back five of their top 10 defenders, including stat leaders Ty Benefield and Zion Washington.
With Ahmed Hassanein now in the NFL, Jayden Virgin-Morgan takes over as the anchor up front, bolstered by four new transfers brought in to sharpen the pass rush. Marco Notarainni will lead the linebacking corps after Andrew Simpson's move to UNC, while reinforcements from Notre Dame, Arizona, and Eastern Michigan should strengthen the secondary.