TAMPA, Fla.
– The competition for USF’s starting quarterback job is leaving the spring exactly how it entered: a “two-horse race” with no clear winner yet in sight.
Following Sunday afternoon’s spring scrimmage at Corbett Stadium, head coach Brian Hartline confirmed that the battle between Michael Van Buren, Jr. and Luke Kromenhoek will continue well into the off-season.
While the exhibition featured modified rules—including 12-minute quarters and a running clock—the focus remained squarely on the two signal-callers vying to lead the Bulls.
QB Battle: “No Separation” Yet
Despite a deep interception on one of the few vertical shots of the day, Hartline remained encouraged by the decision-making of both Van Buren and Kromenhoek.
“They’ll be a quarterback battle for a while,” Hartline said post-game. “The most encouraging part is that they’re encouraging each other. I think decision-making seemed pretty good; we did a good job of protecting the football, which is number one.”
The coach noted that while neither player has fully separated himself from the other, their shared goal of becoming the best in the conference is driving a healthy level of competition. Hartline even left the door open for a two-quarterback system if both players earn the right to be on the field.
Position Group Highlights
Running Backs:
The standout unit of the day. Hartline praised
Jason Collins, DJ Crowther, Chase Garnett,
and
Connor Matthews
not just for their big plays, but for their “willingness” in pass protection.
Academics:
In a rare post-game shoutout, Hartline highlighted that the entire running back room maintains over a
3.3 GPA
.
Defense:
Wearing the white jerseys, the defensive unit held its own in a scoring format that pitted the overall offense against the overall defense.
The scrimmage took place in the physical shadow of USF’s new stadium construction, a backdrop that Hartline says serves as a daily reminder of the program’s trajectory.
“The most exciting part for me was the turnout,” Hartline said, thanking Bulls Nation for a festive atmosphere that included music, vendors, and fans rushing the field after the final whistle. “They showed out. They showed up. It was awesome, and they made it a special day.”
Transitioning Into the Future
There is no “breathing room” for the coaching staff. The Bulls now transition into a heavy recruiting cycle for the month of May, focusing on a six-hour driving radius around Tampa while preparing individualized development plans for the current roster ahead of camp.
As the team moves forward, the quarterback battle remains a central storyline. With both Van Buren and Kromenhoek showing promise and determination, the competition is expected to intensify as the summer progresses.
The focus on academic excellence among the running backs also highlights a broader commitment to student-athlete development. This dual emphasis on performance and education underscores the program’s holistic approach to success.
With the new stadium construction looming in the background, the energy and excitement generated during the spring game reflect the growing momentum of the program. Fans and players alike are eager to see what the future holds for USF football.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the lessons learned during the spring game will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the program. The continued investment in both talent and character is a testament to the vision of the coaching staff and the aspirations of the players.
The journey ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities, but one thing is clear: the Bulls are poised for a strong season. With a competitive quarterback race, a solid running back group, and a determined defense, the team is setting the stage for a promising year.
