USF Holds First Spring Game Under New Coach Hartline

Offense prevails in modified scoring scrimmage as Bulls prepare for new stadium in 2027

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:08am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and movement of a college football spring game, with overlapping planes of green, white, and orange creating a dynamic, abstract composition.The vibrant energy and strategic shifts of a college football spring game are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Today in Tampa

The University of South Florida held its annual spring football game on Sunday at Corbett Stadium, marking the first such event under new head coach Brian Hartline. The offense prevailed in a modified scoring scrimmage, with a packed stadium and an energetic atmosphere as the team prepares for the upcoming season and the opening of a new football stadium in 2027.

Why it matters

The spring game provides an early look at Hartline's new program and the direction of the USF football team. With the Bulls set to move into a new on-campus stadium in 2027, this spring showcase takes on added significance as the team transitions to a new era under Hartline's leadership.

The details

The modified scoring format saw the offense come out on top in the scrimmage, giving fans a glimpse of the changes Hartline plans to implement. While the new stadium won't be ready until 2027, the spring game was held in the team's current home of Corbett Stadium, which will host at least one more spring showcase before the move.

  • The spring game took place on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • USF's new football stadium is expected to open in the summer of 2027.

The players

Brian Hartline

The new head coach of the USF Bulls football team, taking over the program in 2026.

Rob Higgins

The athletic director of the University of South Florida, overseeing the transition to the new football stadium.

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What they’re saying

“It will be the summer of 2027 before it is ready, meaning at least one more spring showcase in Corbett in 2027.”

— Rob Higgins, Athletic Director, University of South Florida

What’s next

The Bulls will continue their offseason training and preparation for the 2026 season, with the next major milestone being the opening of their new on-campus football stadium in the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

The spring game provided an early look at the changes and energy Hartline is bringing to the USF football program, as the team prepares to transition to a new stadium and a new era of Bulls football in the coming years.