USF vs. UAB: 2026 Game Day Guide, Kickoff Time, TV, Weather and What to Watch
Kickoff Information
USF returns to Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, October 31, when the Bulls host UAB in an American Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET, with the game airing nationally on ESPNU. Bulls fans can also listen on Q105 FM and Bulls Unlimited.
USF enters the matchup at 5-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play after a 29-2 win over Kent State. UAB comes to Tampa at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the American following a 30-17 overtime win over East Carolina. Both teams had a bye week to prepare for Saturday's game.
- Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- TV: ESPNU
- Radio: Q105 FM and Bulls Unlimited
- USF Record: 5-2 overall, 1-2 American Conference
- UAB Record: 4-3 overall, 2-1 American Conference
Tickets
USF Event (vcal_14392-gousfbulls.com)
Weather
Tampa is expected to be warm for Saturday's noon kickoff, with temperatures around 82 degrees. There is a chance of showers later in the day, so fans should check the latest forecast before heading to Raymond James Stadium.
Conditions could change before kickoff, but the warm temperatures are worth keeping in mind for those attending the game.
Coaches' Thoughts
Brian Hartline, USF
USF has an opportunity to improve its position in the American Conference standings, but the Bulls need a more complete performance as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.
The win over Kent State provided a defensive boost after consecutive conference losses to Temple and UTSA. The next challenge is carrying that performance into league play, where USF has less room for error.
Hartline has emphasized continued improvement and the importance of playing better football as November approaches. He also discussed the need to simplify aspects of the offense to help the team execute more consistently.
The Bulls cannot afford to look too far ahead. A home win against UAB would provide a valuable conference result and give USF a chance to build momentum before a demanding November schedule.
Alex Mortensen, UAB
UAB enters the game with a winning conference record and a defense that presents a significant challenge for the Bulls. The Blazers have been particularly effective against the pass, allowing just 126 passing yards per game entering the matchup.
Mortensen has pointed to the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage and protecting the football. Those areas will be important against a USF defense that has shown the ability to limit scoring opportunities.
Mortensen also acknowledged the quality of the Bulls' defensive scheme.
UAB's defensive performance will be a major factor Saturday. If the Blazers can limit USF's passing game and force the Bulls into difficult third-down situations, they could put pressure on the home team to find other ways to move the football.
Team Breakdown
USF Bulls
USF enters the matchup looking to build on its 29-2 win over Kent State and improve its conference record.
The Bulls' defense limited Kent State to two points, while quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 22 of 27 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. The performance provided a positive result after two consecutive conference losses.
Ball security has also been a strength. Through seven games, USF had thrown zero interceptions on 183 pass attempts. Maintaining that discipline will be important against a UAB defense capable of creating game-changing plays.
The next step is producing more consistently on offense. USF needs to turn successful drives into touchdowns and avoid leaving points on the field.
At 1-2 in American Conference play, the Bulls have ground to make up in the standings. A home victory would give them a valuable result before the November schedule begins.
UAB Blazers
UAB arrives in Tampa at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play. The Blazers have won four of their first seven games and are coming off an overtime victory against East Carolina.
Defense has been a major strength. UAB entered the matchup allowing 126 passing yards per game, the best mark in the FBS, while leading the American in total defense.
That creates a difficult test for a USF passing game that needs to remain efficient without forcing throws into tight coverage.
The Blazers also showed their ability to capitalize on mistakes against East Carolina. Their 30-17 victory included an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown in overtime, making ball security a particularly important factor for USF.
UAB will look to use its defensive strength to keep the game close and give its offense opportunities to take control.
Key Matchups
USF's Passing Game vs. UAB's Secondary
This is one of the most important matchups of the afternoon. USF has protected the football, but UAB has been among the nation's best teams at limiting passing production.
Van Buren will need to make sound decisions and take advantage of available opportunities. Sustaining drives will be important against a defense that has consistently made it difficult for opponents to gain yards through the air.
USF does not need to force big plays. It needs to stay on schedule, convert third downs and finish possessions.
USF's Defensive Front vs. UAB's Offense
USF needs to disrupt UAB's offensive rhythm and prevent the Blazers from controlling the line of scrimmage.
Getting stops on early downs would put UAB in more difficult passing situations and give the Bulls' defense opportunities to pressure the quarterback. Just as importantly, USF needs to finish defensive possessions rather than allow the Blazers to extend drives.
Turnovers and Field Position
Ball security could have a major impact on the outcome. USF has avoided interceptions through its first seven games, while UAB demonstrated against East Carolina how quickly its defense can turn a takeaway into points.
The Bulls need to protect possession and avoid giving UAB short fields. Winning the field-position battle could also help USF manage the game against a strong opposing defense.
What to Watch For
- A Strong Start After the Bye: Both teams had extra preparation time. Watch which offense settles in first and whether either defense can create early pressure.
- More Production from the USF Offense: The Bulls need to turn their ball security into points. Sustained drives and consistent passing will be important against UAB's defense.
- Third-Down Defense: USF needs to finish defensive possessions and prevent UAB from extending drives. Getting off the field will be especially important if the game remains close.
- The Halloween Atmosphere: USF is planning a black-on-black uniform combination for its Halloween home game. The Bulls will look to make the most of their home-field advantage.
- The Conference Standings: USF enters at 1-2 in league play, while UAB is 2-1. A win would give the Bulls a valuable conference result heading into November.
The Bottom Line
USF has an opportunity to turn its win over Kent State into a more consistent run of performances, but UAB presents a difficult test.
The Bulls have shown they can protect the football and produce strong defensive performances. The challenge is putting those strengths together with enough offensive production to win against a team that has been particularly effective at stopping the pass.
UAB's defense could make every possession important. USF needs to stay patient, avoid turnovers and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they appear.
A complete performance at Raymond James Stadium would give the Bulls a much-needed conference win and provide a stronger foundation for the final stretch of the regular season.
Go Bulls!