USF Bulls prepare for season opener on Aug. 31, 2024 [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. — As USF approaches next Saturday’s home opener against Bethune-Cookman, the team not only senses the hype surrounding this season — they see it.

More than 600 fans greeted the team with a standing ovation as they walked into The Gathering inside Armature Works for Thursday’s kickoff luncheon. The sellout crowd set an attendance record for the event. 

Each attendee dined with players and heard from head coach Alex Golesh, who thanked the fans for their support and previewed the upcoming season.

“When you see something like this, you know that people are buying in,” USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly said.

The buy-in is high because the Bulls return 19 starters from their historic 2023 season that ended with a shutout victory against Syracuse in the …