The long-awaited 2025 college football season gets underway in grand fashion when the Boise State Broncos hit the road to face the South Florida Bulls in a non-conference clash set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM ET. This Week 1 matchup brings national intrigue as two proud Group of Five programs with bowl aspirations meet for the first time at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
With fresh talent, new coaching dynamics, and postseason momentum from 2024 on the line, the 🏈 Boise State at South Florida battle is more than just a season opener—it’s a tone-setter for what promises to be an exciting 2025 campaign.
🗓️ Game Details for 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM Eastern Time
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- TV Broadcast: ESPN2 or CBS Sports Network (TBD)
- Streaming Options: ESPN app, FuboTV, Hulu Live, CBS Sports App
Football fans eager for live-action will have plenty to enjoy, as this is one of the most competitive Group of Five openers of the weekend.
🏟️ Venue Spotlight: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa
Home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raymond James Stadium is one of the premier venues in college football’s opening weekend. With a seating capacity of over 65,000 and a signature pirate ship looming above the end zone, it’s a unique place to play—especially for visiting teams.
South Florida’s student section and alumni crowd will be amped to see their team try to open the season with a win over a respected opponent like Boise State.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
Boise State Broncos: A Mountain West Power Seeking Redemption
The Boise State Broncos enter 2025 as perennial Mountain West contenders but hungry to return to their dominant glory. After a 9–4 campaign in 2024 that ended with a bowl win, expectations are high once again. Under second-year head coach Spencer Danielson, the Broncos aim to combine defensive grit with a revamped offense.
- Quarterback Outlook: Malachi Nelson, the USC transfer and former five-star recruit, has taken over the starting job and brings elite arm talent and mobility.
- Running Game: Star RB Ashton Jeanty returns after rushing for 1,200+ yards and 13 TDs in 2024.
- Receivers: Eric McAlister and Latrell Caples lead a dynamic receiving corps.
- Defense: Led by standout linebacker DJ Schramm and corner Kaonohi Kaniho, Boise’s defense will pressure early and often.
South Florida Bulls: A Program on the Rise
Under third-year head coach Alex Golesh, USF is undergoing a major resurgence. After a 7–6 finish and a bowl win in 2024—their best season in a decade—the Bulls have momentum, belief, and one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the AAC.
- Quarterback: Byrum Brown enters his junior season as a rising dual-threat star. He passed for over 2,800 yards and rushed for 800+ in 2024.
- Skill Players: WR Sean Atkins, TE Michael Brown-Stephens, and RB Michel Dukes will all be heavily involved.
- Defense: Improvement is crucial. LB Jason Vaughn and CB Daquan Evans anchor a unit that ranked in the bottom half of the AAC but has made key transfer additions.
⚔️ Key Matchups in 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
Malachi Nelson vs. USF Secondary
The Bulls’ secondary will face its toughest challenge of the season in Game 1. Nelson can make every throw on the field, and if he gets protection, he will torch even the best defenses.
Byrum Brown vs. Boise State Linebackers
Brown’s ability to extend plays with his legs and scramble for first downs could keep Boise State’s defense off-balance. His dual-threat nature will test the Broncos’ discipline.
Ashton Jeanty vs. USF Front Seven
If Jeanty starts rolling early, Boise State will control tempo and keep the crowd out of the game. USF must fill gaps and tackle cleanly.
Red Zone Efficiency
Both teams have explosive offenses, but it will come down to which team can convert inside the 20. Settling for field goals won’t be enough in a game expected to reach the 30s.
📈 Betting Odds & Game Prediction for 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
Opening Line: Boise State -6.5
Over/Under: 60.5
The line slightly favors the Broncos due to their pedigree and overall roster strength. However, this will be one of the most difficult road environments they’ll face all season.
ATS Pick: South Florida +6.5
The Bulls are playing with house money and have a dynamic quarterback at home in a prime-time game. Expect them to keep this close, and don’t be surprised by a late lead.
Total Points Pick: Over 60.5
Both offenses are built to score. If the defenses show any early rust—and that’s likely in Week 1—the over is the safest play.
⭐ Players to Watch in 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
Malachi Nelson – QB, Boise State
A high-profile transfer and former top recruit, Nelson’s debut as a Bronco is among the most anticipated of Week 1. All eyes will be on how he handles USF’s pressure.
Byrum Brown – QB, South Florida
USF’s most important player. Brown is a game-changer who can flip the field with one play, and Boise’s defense must spy him at all times.
Ashton Jeanty – RB, Boise State
A bruising, shifty back who dominates after contact. Jeanty is the key to controlling the clock and grinding down the defense.
Sean Atkins – WR, South Florida
One of Brown’s most trusted targets, Atkins is a possession receiver with strong hands and great route-running.
DJ Schramm – LB, Boise State
One of the smartest defenders in the Mountain West, Schramm diagnoses plays quickly and rarely misses tackles.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Spencer Danielson vs. Alex Golesh
Both coaches are considered rising stars, and this early game could serve as a barometer for how far each program has come under their leadership.
🔢 Recent Team Trends & Stats
Boise State Broncos
- 2024 Record: 9–4 (Mountain West runner-up)
- 4 straight bowl appearances
- Averaged 31.2 points per game
- Defense allowed just 21.8 points per game
South Florida Bulls
- 2024 Record: 7–6 (Boca Raton Bowl champions)
- Most wins since 2016
- Averaged 28.4 points per game
- Defense allowed 33.7 points per game
🧾 Series History: Boise State vs. South Florida
- All-Time Series: First-ever meeting
- Boise State has played few AAC opponents historically but is 5–1 in such games
- South Florida has struggled against Mountain West teams but is 2–2 in past meetings
This first-time matchup adds to the novelty and national appeal of 🏈 Boise State at South Florida in Week 1.
❓ FAQs for 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM ET.
Where is the game played?
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What channel is it on?
Likely ESPN2 or CBS Sports Network. Final confirmation expected by mid-August.
How can I stream the game?
Available via ESPN app, CBS Sports App, FuboTV, and Hulu Live.
Who are the starting QBs?
Boise State: Malachi Nelson
South Florida: Byrum Brown
What are the betting odds?
Boise State -6.5; Over/Under: 60.5 (subject to change)
Is this a conference game?
No, it’s a non-conference matchup between the Mountain West and AAC.
Who’s favored to win?
Boise State is the favorite, but many view South Florida as a live underdog.
🏁 Final Score Prediction: Boise State 34, South Florida 31
Expect fireworks in Tampa. While Boise State has the advantage in experience and depth, South Florida’s energy, home crowd, and dynamic offense will keep them competitive until the final possession. A late field goal might be the difference as the Broncos escape with a narrow victory.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 Boise State at South Florida
- National Debut of Malachi Nelson: The former USC QB’s first game as a Bronco is must-watch.
- Two Bowl Teams Collide: Both squads come off bowl wins and are poised for even better 2025 seasons.
- Explosive QBs on Both Sides: Nelson vs. Brown could be one of the best quarterback duels of Week 1.
- High Stakes Early: Both teams want to start fast and gain momentum in a crowded Group of Five landscape.
- Thrilling Setting: Prime-time action from one of the coolest venues in college football—Raymond James Stadium.
Stay tuned for what promises to be one of the most exciting early-season matchups in the 2025 college football calendar. Whether you’re a fan of Mountain West toughness or AAC firepower, 🏈 Boise State at South Florida offers the perfect kickoff to the season.