As USF inches closer to the end of the season, uncertainty looms over the program’s progress under second-year head coach Alex Golesh.

Chief among those concerns, in my opinion?

The possibility of losing star quarterback Byrum Brown to the transfer portal.

Although Brown reassured fans last December he’d stay at USF despite swirling transfer rumors, uncertainty has crept back into the conversation in light of an injury that’s kept him sidelined since Sept. 28 injury.

Questions about his health and long-term commitment to the program have become a hot topic amongst USF insiders and social media chat rooms. As has the lure of name, image and likeness opportunities.

At almost every press conference since the injury, Golesh has made statements on Brown’s health, but never given a full story as to why Brown didn’t play.

“Byrum is practicing and has continued to practice. His deal is simply when is he going to be healthy enough to truly go?” he said on Oct. 29 ahead of the game against FAU.

Just a few weeks later, he restated the same sentiment.

“Byrum practiced today, we’re going to continue to go through the week with him,” Golesh said Nov. 19 before the game against Tulsa.

I’ve overheard other insiders and reporters at these conferences talk about Brown’s future and question his injury, and how bad it actually is that Golesh won’t start him.

For a team still rebuilding, losing Brown to the transfer portal could be a seismic blow.

Bulls without Byrum

Brown’s potential departure would be a gut punch for South Florida.

As the centerpiece of Golesh’s up-tempo offense, Brown’s dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and rusher have been key to USF’s improvement. 

Last season, Brown finished the season with over 3,000 yards passing and 800 yards rushing. The only other quarterback to complete this was Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. 

While the Bulls are far from a finished product, he has consistently elevated the team’s play.

In performances earlier this year, he showcased his ability to keep defenses off balance.

Against Alabama on Sept. 7, Brown passed for 103 yards and rushed for 108 on 23 carries. A week later at Southern Miss, he threw for 193 yards and two touchdowns while adding 92 yards and a score on the ground.

However, his absence over the past six weeks has sparked intrigue.

Brown sustained an injury during the Bulls’ 45-10 loss to Tulane and hasn’t played since. 

Despite this, Golesh insists Brown has been practicing daily and nearing full health. Brown even suited up before the Tulsa game, but Golesh said it was a “game time decision” as to why he didn’t play.

The mystery lies in why he hasn’t played.

Is it precautionary? A deeper injury concern? Or something less apparent?

For a player of Brown’s caliber, prolonged absence — while healthy enough to practice — is undeniably strange.

In his absence, the Bulls have leaned heavily on their run game, but their passing attack has suffered. 

Junior Bryce Archie, stepping in as the primary starter, has shown flashes of potential but has been inconsistent, throwing eight interceptions to eight touchdowns.

Archie’s flashes could be one of the reasons Brown may consider transferring.

The offense can function without him, showcased in the team’s 715-yard performance against Tulsa.

Sophomore Israel Carter has also emerged as a potential option for USF’s future under center, while stepping up in recent blowout wins.

Carter’s limited action includes a standout performance at Tulsa, where he completed 6 of 8 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. 

His play suggests the Bulls may have a capable successor waiting in the wings, adding another layer to the conversation surrounding Brown’s long-term status.

The numbers tell the story: The Bulls can be a complete team without Brown.

This reality could influence Brown’s decision.

If he seeks a larger stage to showcase his skills or more lucrative NIL opportunities, transferring to a Power Five program might become appealing.

Quarterbacks pile up at the top of NIL valuations, with Miami’s Cam Ward at No. 9 making $2.1 million and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe at No. 7 making $2.3 million.

These figures show the financial stakes the Bulls face in keeping top talent.

Meanwhile, Brown’s absence would leave a significant void in Golesh’s system, where his leadership and abilities have been central to USF’s identity.

For USF, retaining Brown is essential to sustain their progress as Archie has been inconsistent.

His departure would force the team into another offseason of uncertainty, risking the momentum they’ve worked hard to build.

Crystal ball verdict

The Bulls’ trajectory feels precarious. 

Brown’s decision and Golesh’s adaptability will define the programs’ future.

While losing Brown would not erase the progress made under Golesh, it would present a significant challenge, leaving the team without its star quarterback.

While the crystal “Bull” may be cloudy, one thing is clear: South Florida’s margin for error is razor-thin. 

If Golesh can navigate these rocky waters, USF’s future could shine. If not, the program risks remaining stuck in mediocrity.