USF football will showcase its offseason progress at its annual spring game on Saturday.

While the scrimmage offers a look at all three phases of the game, attention has been turned towards the Bulls offense.

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USF head coach Alex Golesh said there are two things he wanted to see from his offense on Saturday.

“The ability to sustain drives due to the run game, and growth on the perimeter,” Golesh said.

New backfield takes shape

After finishing fifth in the American Athletic Conference in rushing yards, the Bulls are fielding a new-look backfield in 2025. 

Golesh said the position group has its concerns entering the new year.

“When there’s a lack of depth, you get really nervous,” Golesh said.

The Bulls will be without their three leading rushers from last season. 

Kelley Joiner Jr., Ta’Ron Keith and Nay’Quan Wright have all either entered the NFL draft or graduated.

The departure of these backs has opened up the door for sophomore Alvon Issac to lead the ground attack.

Issac played sparingly in 2024, recording just six rushes for 50 yards and a touchdown. He said he grew frustrated during his freshman year because of his passion for the sport.

“I got impatient,” Issac said. “I was so eager to get on the field. I love the game so much.”

Joining Issac in the backfield is running back Cartevious Norton. He transferred from Charlotte in December, where he recorded 525 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Golesh said the value Norton brings to the team is beyond the field, praising his veteran status for helping the running back room.

“He’s a really special cat as he’s played a ton of football and he has a lot of cool leadership qualities,” Golesh said.

Nimrod brings deep threat

USF finished with a slightly below average passing game in 2024, ranking eighth in the AAC.

The Bulls looked for an upgrade at receiver in the transfer portal, landing on former Tennessee receiver junior Chas Nimrod.

Golesh said Nimrod told him he wanted to be “happy,” “productive” and “valued” going into the season.

Nimrod said he’s experienced the first of his wants, as he’s excited with the Bulls offensive scheme.

“I like how it gives you the option to always make yourself right, and the [defensive back] wrong,” Nimrod said.

The Arkansas native said he’ll be able to stretch defenses and “take the top off” for big plays. He recorded 29 catches during his time with the Volunteers, averaging 11.1 yards per reception. 

That mark is higher than what Bulls all-time reception leader Sean Atkins averaged in 2024. He averaged 9.89 yards per reception last season.

As the Bulls gear up for the spring game, Golesh said he wants his players to be excited. However, he still wants the team to take the season one game at a time.

“They’re starting to anticipate as families come in town, a whole bunch of alums coming back,” Golesh said. “I’m cool with looking forward to something, but not looking ahead.”