Miami Hurricanes Week 3 Preview: South Florida Bulls

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Miami, Florida – What was originally seen as an afterthought has become a highly intriguing matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and the South Florida Bulls. While the Canes were overpowering Bethune-Cookman, USF pulled off its second consecutive victory over a ranked opponent, achieving a big 18-16 upset over the then No. 13 Florida Gators. South Florida’s success, complemented by its Week 1 win over then No. 25 Boise State, elevated it to 18th in the country. UM checks in at number five. Miami ultimately trounced South Florida 50-15 on the road last season, but don’t let the score fool you.

The Bulls were a troublesome team in the first half, and they’re a different beast this year, led by a familiar foe at quarterback. Alex Golesh is in his third year with the program, becoming the first coach to lead USF to bowl game victories in each of their first two seasons. Given Golesh ‘s significant turnaround of Tampa’s fortunes, Miami would be wise not to follow the Gators’ example. The Canes lead the overall series 6-1 and are 17.5-point favorites. However, they lost 23-20 at home back in 2010. The overtime defeat serves as a reminder that every dog (or bull) has their day. Two enter undefeated but one comes out 3-0.

Players to Watch: Miami Hurricanes

CJ Daniels

Of the forty-six P4 WR’s that have been targeted 10x or more:

🙌 CJ Daniels, Miami: 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁

Only one is perfect catch %.
10 for 10@CanesFootball@PFF_College pic.twitter.com/1VSHoYM7Fo

— Jason (@Canes_Chief) September 10, 2025

The LSU transfer continues to make spectacular grabs, hauling in five for 73 yards and two touchdowns versus Bethune-Cookman. CJ Daniels has 10 catches for 119 yards so far, leading the team with three TDs. Daniels is averaging 11.9 yards per reception, making him one of Carson Beck’s top targets at wide receiver. He will be needed against an opponent the Hurricanes will attempt to bury early in the contest. CJ will once again find the endzone at least twice on Saturday.

Jordan Lyle

100 Days, 100 plays until @CanesFootball returns next season 🙌

Day 37: Jordan Lyle breaks away versus USF for a long TD ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/VryQygMqGV

— Sebastian Font (@S_Font_Sports) June 29, 2025

Miami is getting back a trio of players, two of whom will be discussed. Jordan Lyle started versus Notre Dame, but sat out week two due to injury. Coach Mario Cristobal announced Lyle’s return, bolstering the ground game. Lyle can help wear down the opposing defense, rotating around with Mark Fletcher and CharMar Brown. The sophomore rushed for 104 yards on six carries with a touchdown the last time he faced the Bulls. Expect at least 60 yards and a score.

JoJo Trader

JoJo Trader LEAD BLOCK!!! pic.twitter.com/wvNOtfdicQ

— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) September 1, 2025

Joshisa Trader also returns to the fray. People have high expectations for JoJo, with many believing that if he can stay healthy, the young wideout will be special. That can start right now. Miami needs its best and brightest on the field for what might be a potentially contested battle at Hard Rock Stadium. Regardless of whether it becomes a blowout, Trader’s skills will be needed further down the schedule when the team faces Florida and FSU. I see about five to seven receptions and roughly 50 yards for Jojo Trader, including a TD.

South Florida Bulls

Byrum Brown

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸🏈

Byrum Brown x @USFFootball 🤘#BuiltToRise x #AmericanFB pic.twitter.com/Cw7nV8pky2

— The American (@American_Conf) September 8, 2025

USF’s starting QB is back and ready for a second round against the Hurricanes. Byrum Brown is a dual threat, and the first UM will deal with this season. Brown completed 19 of 30 for 254 yards in addition to 27 on the ground in last year’s contest with Miami. The Cardiac Canes successfully kept him out of the endzone. He’s thrown for 473 yards and a touchdown so far this season. Byrum is also the Bulls’ leading rusher, tallying 109 yards on 31 carries, scoring twice. Against Florida, he threw for 263 passing yards, including a 66-yard TD to Keshaun Singleton. Speaking of.

Keshaun Singleton

BROWN THROWS A 66 YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS pic.twitter.com/oPaPb0WHgR

— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) September 6, 2025

South Florida’s leading receiver caught two passes at The Swamp, but boy, did he make them count. Recording seven receptions for 168 yards and two TDs on the year, Keshaun Singleton is a deep threat to the Hurricanes, averaging 24 yards per catch. The secondary must limit Singleton similarly to how the Gators did, sans the touchdown they allowed. Do this, and Brown is going to have a hard time airing it out without his favorite target.

Nico Gramatica

NICO GRAMATICA WITH THE GAME-WINNER IN THE SWAMP‼️🔥

SOUTH FLORIDA STUNS NO. 13 FLORIDA 🐊 pic.twitter.com/heS0B24tv0

— ESPN (@espn) September 7, 2025

Ah, the hero himself. Nico Gramatica, the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Martin Gramatica, kicked the game-winning 20-yard field goal, putting away the Gators. Gramatica comes from a family of kickers, including two uncles who also played at USF. He nailed three of his four field goals and his lone extra-point attempt at Florida. For the year, Gramatica is five of six for field goals and five-for-five in extra point attempts. Miami can’t let this be a close game, or else they’re going down to Gramatica.

Prediction

The Hurricanes should take care of business. As long as they attack the Bulls early and keep their foot on the gas, this will end similarly to last year. Miami must continue to keep Brown out of the end zone. UM wins 37-13.

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